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RUSSELL 



ON 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING 



FOR 



LEVELINa AND BALANCING THE ACTION 
AND GAIT OF HORSES 



REMEDYING AND CURING THE DIFFERENT 
DISEASES OF THE FOOT 



REVISED AND ENLARGED 



^WITH ILLUSTRATIOISrS 



PROF. WILLIAM RUSSELL 

Practical Horseshoer 




CINCINNATI ^Oy^j i2iy^ 



/ 



THE ROBERT CLARKE COMPANY 

1895 




Copyrighted, ]895 
By prof. WILLIAM RUSSELL 




INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 

PHILADELPHIA, 1S7C. 

The United States Centennial Commission has examined the 
report of the Judges, and accepted thefollowwrj reasons, and decreed 
an aicard in conformity thereirith. 

Philadelphia, December 14, 1876. 

REPORT ON AWARDS. 

Product: HORSESHOES (Hand and Machine Made); also, HORSESHOE IRON. 
Name and Address of Exhibitor: WILLIAM RUSSELL, CINCINNATI, OHIO. 

T}t,e undersigned, having examined the j^roduct herein described, respectfully 
recommends the same to the United States Centennial Commission, for Award, for the 
following reasons, viz., 

A variety of shoes remedying defects in hoofs; also, patented rolled iron, for liand- 

shoe making. All hi.gJdy meritorious. 

J. D. IMBODEN, 

[Signature of the Judge.] 
Approval of Group Judges. 

DANIEL STEINMETZ. CHAS. STAPLES, JULIUS DIEFENBACH, 
G. L. REED, DAV. McHARDV, J. BAIN. 

A true copy of the record. 

FRANCIS A. WALKER, Chief of the Bureau of Arvards. 



Given by authority of the United. States Centennial Commission. 



J. L. CAMPBELL, 

Secretary. 



A. T. GOSHORN, 

Director General. 

.T. R. HAW LEY, 

Prenident. 




cHAar^ 



.V^^ ^^ABDEO "*'♦' 



® William Eossell & Son?, V 

"[HAND-MADE HORSESHOES,!' 

(For remedyiDg defects in horaes* feet.) (rf , 

And Improvement in < 



1S70. 



^c^AAics ^: 



Cipcinnati ♦ Snt^iu^friaf • €rpo^ition. 



THE FIRST PREMIUM 



AWARDED TO 



WILLIAM RUSSELL AND SONS 

For Best Display of Hand-made Horseshoes, 
Remedying Defects in Horses' Feet, 

Fw Improvement in Horseshoe Iron, 

And for Morbid Specimens of Horses' Feet, 

SJiowing Injuries sustained from Improper SJioeing, 

CHAS. F. WILSTACn, President, 
ABNER L. FRAZER. Secretary. 



f §c 3iv5t Prcmiunj M^Mb <xni> Certificalcf? 

At the Cincinnati Expositions have been awarded to Prof. Russell, as above, 
for the successive years of 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1879, 1880, 
1881, and 1883. 



Have also been awarded to Prof. Russell's displays wherever exhibited, 
notably at the 

TEXAS STATE FAIRS AND DALLAS EXPOSITIONS, 

IN 1889 AND 1890, FOR 

Best System of Scientific Horseshoeing, 

Best Display of Hand-made Horseshoes, 

Aiid Best Display of Morbid Anatomical Specimens. 



At the time of going to press, 
the medals and diplomas se- 
cured by the exhibits indicated 
are being prepared for distri- 
bution ; hence they can not bo 
reproduced in connection with 
this book. 

Supplemental to the above, 
and conferred after the close 
of the Exposition, the follow- 
ing is self-explanatory : 

Thk Columbian Exposition. 

The Board of Lady Managers of the 
World's Columbian Commission, by 
virtue of the authority vested in it by 
an act of the Congress of the United 
States of America, confers this Di- 
ploma of Honorable Mention npcn 
William Kussell, a Certificate having 
been filed with said Board stating that 
ho by skill as Inventor of Horse Shoes 
for Various Diseases of the Feet, 
Horse Shoer's Tools, and Russell's 
Foot Adjuster, assisted in the produc- 
tion and perfection of the exhibit of 
William Russell, Cincinnati, which 
received Award of the AVorld's Co- 
lumbian Exposition. 

Witness our hand and seal, this 1st 
day of April, 1895, in the city of 
Chicago. 

ViKGiNiA C. Meredith, 

Chairman Committee Awards. 

Bertha Honori Palmer, 

Pres"t B'd Lady Managers. 

Geo. R. Davis, 

Director-Gen. Columbian Exp'n. 



INTRODUCTORY TO THIRD EDITION. 



OBSERVATIONS ON THE CONDITIONS OF FARRIERY. 

As a direct influence upon the facility of locomotion and 
the claims of a horse's soundness, scientific horseshoeing, in the 
best sense of the term, is one of the most important and useful 
of the " arts preservative." It is to this handicraft that the 
horse is indebted for the preservation of his hoofs from the 
merciless and incessant wear and tear incident to his subjuga- 
tion or to his ready service at every call of man. It would seem 
strange and unreasonable if, in the course of the wonderful im- 
provements that have been made by science and skill in the 
varied departments of arts, manufactures, and industrial pur- 
suits, which afiect the human race so favorably, the horse should 
be forgotten or neglected. Modern methods and acquirements 
have, in fact, greatly improved the condition of the horse, 
bringing him nearer perfection and rendering his noble and 
excellent qualities vastly more valuable to mankind in every 
way. Greater regard is especially shown in the care and man- 
agement of horses' feet and legs ; and during my visits within 
late years to nearly all the principal cities of the country, I have 
observed many improvements in the art and science of horse- 
shoeing — more adaptation to special requirements and less uni- 
formity in the use of machine shoes. Other related branches of 
the trade have contributed to this desirable end. More diffused 
knowledge of the organic structure and functions of the foot ; 
improved tools and scientific leveling instruments, together with 
a wider popular interest in the subject at large, have each lent 
their influence in the right direction, with the result that high 
class workmanship is being recognized at its true worth, and 

(xi) 



xii INTRODUCTORY. 

receives better returns, as insuring better results, than the out- 
classed or low-classed grades. 

But, notwithstanding all that can be legitimately advanced 
in favor of the methods pursued by many of my professional 
brethren, the evidences of whose skill I have remarked, and 
whose work is its own vindication by the degree of thought 
and skill it displays in its scientific adaptation to the natural re- 
quirements of the horse, it is a fact admitted by all competent 
judges that most of the men w^ho adopt horseshoeing as a 
means of livelihood should, as a matter of right, be debarred, 
on the grounds of unfitness and incompetency, from engaging in 
the practice of this important profession. 

It is an unfortunate circumstance that such men still form the 
predominating element in the horseshoeing fraternity, as they are 
always obstacles to progress and improvement, as well as the fatal 
cause of mischief to the common interests of the trade, its patrons, 
and the most generous of all our dumb servants. Regarding it 
from this standpoint, we may well question, whether as a system 
of work demanding of its followers patient study and careful 
training, the ordinary practice of horseshoeing includes all that 
ouo-ht to be secured in such a system ; and whether in its prac- 
tical working it is conducted regularly to secure the protection 
of the private and public interests at stake. From the confu- 
sion in aims and methods which now prevail, it is evident that 
some simple process of systematic training is necessary to prop- 
erly equip and qualify practitioners in farriery, the same as in 
other similar lines of pursuit where the protection of life and 
property is concerned. A discussion of these questions will 
not, however, be entered upon here, though they are weighty 
enough to claim careful attention from our wisest counselors in 
the law and veterinary practice, and to their better judgment I 
commend them, reserving, perhaps, a further reference to the 
matters at issue for a later stage of this work. 



INTRODUCTORY. Xlll 

It is my good fortune to number on my list of friends many 
of the most prominent horsemen and farriers in almost all parts 
of the country, and for the many courtesies received from them, 
at various times and places, my thanks are due. Particularly, 
it should be stated here, that I am indebted to Mr. S. T. Harris, 
of Cincinnati, the well-known authority on all subjects relating 
to the welfare of the horse, for his valuable assistance and sug- 
gestions, opportunely given while I was pursuing the investiga- 
tion of the principles of this work, and continuing through an 
association of more than thirty years. 

The illustrations have been carefully drawn (from natural 
specimens or from model) and supervised by Mr. H. A. Carr, 
who also assisted me in compiling the matter for publication. 

In addition to my own daily observations of the horse as a 
living, natural subject, many standard works of reference — as 
well as current periodicals " devoted to the interests of the horse 
and his friends " — have been profitable consulted in my system- 
atic study of the subject at large. 

Due credit is hereb}^ given to that representive journal, 
" The Horseman " (Chicago and Xew York), for the main facts 
contained in Chapter I, which originally appeared in its columns 
as contributed by Prof. John A. Craig, and adapted to these 
pages as in every way one of the most interesting on the sub- 
ject. My anatomical descriptions are based on the authority 
of Fleming's translation of A. Chauveau, and are therefore re- 
liable. The illustrations of this section are drawn from the 

Auzoux models in my possession. 

Wm. Russell, 

656 Freeman avenue, Cincinnati, O. 



PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. 



The present work is the result of very extensive and careful 
observations, as well as of a practical working experience, ex- 
tending over a period of more than forty years. 

The aim of the work is one and simple. It is to present in 
the shortest possible space, and in the plainest possible manner, 
what every man should know of the Practice and Art of Horse- 
shoeing. 

The experience and success of the author as a practicing 
farrier, his knowledge of the errors existing in the common 
mode of shoeing, and the evils which result from them — his 
careful and earnest investigation of this subject, together with 
the large series of anatomical parts of the horse's foot which 
he has amassed in the preparation of this book — have rendered 
him peculiarly suited to the task he has undertaken, and it is 
believed that he has produced a compendium of the highest 
practical value to all who look into it, prompt to avail them- 
selves of the plans herein laid down. 

There is the want of a more diffused knowledge on this 
subject, and it is becoming more and more a necessity of the 
time that the man " who arrogates to himself the title of far- 
rier" be qualified to practice that which he engages to perform. 

" It can not require much penetration to discover that some 
study in the nature of anatomy and pathology must be abso- 
lutely requisite to constitute a good farrier; but, if conclusions 
were to be drawn from the basis on which the veterinary system 
has hitherto rested, it would seem that the science of farriery 
has been considered a natural gift, and not in the least depend- 
ent on the tedious process of medical inquiry and investigation ; 

(XV) 



Xvi PREFACE. 

for every blacksmith, groom, and stable boy, not only conceives 
himself to be, but is likewise regarded by his employer to be, 
fully competent to the important task of curing diseases of the 
nature of which he is totally ignorant," says the ingenious 
Richard Lawrence. 

This book aims to facilitate the understanding of the struct- 
ure and functions of the horse's foot in all its parts, explains 
the proper management of it, and points out the sort of shoes 
which the author's own experience has found to be the best for 
any given purpose. 

One reason why the scientific investigation of these points 
appears so obscured and bewildered is, because authors have 
treated the subject in an abstract, technical manner, while very 
few have been found to agree in the details for carrying into 
effect a general system. 

In this work every thing that would tend to confuse the 
subject has been avoided, the author insisting upon the preser- 
vation of his familiar methods of expression. 

Those who have a fondness for the abstruse^ and who would 
penetrate to the core and go through all the mathematical intri- 
cacies of those who have brought such parts of the subject to a 
high state of perfection, have abundant opportunities of doing 
so in the many elaborate works which, on alleged rational and 
scientific principles, have from time to time been pressed forward 
under the notice of the trade and the public. 

All that is claimed for this work is a simple touching up of 
the facts in the case in a plain, straightforward way; and in this 
respect the volume now oflered to the public occupies a place by 
itself. 



TABLP] OF CONTENTS. XVll 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Portrait of Author ii 

Diploma, Centennial Exhibition v 

Medals and Report on Awards, Centennial Commission vii 

Medals and Awards, Cincinnati and other Expositions viii 

"Official Medal Ribbon," etc.. World's Fair, Chicago ix 

Introduction to Third Edition xi 

Preface to First Edition xv 

List of Illustrations xxiii 

CHAPTER I. 
The Horse in General. 

Judging the Useful Qualities of Horses 25 

The Ideal Horse 26 

Light Horses 26 

Symmetrical Qualities 27 

Judging Action 28 

Structural Examination 29 

Muscular Development 29 

Front Limbs 30 

Feet and Legs 31 

The Trunk 31 

Hind Limbs 32 

CHAPTER II. 
Bones of the Horse. 

The Trunk 33 

The Limbs 33 

The Bones in Detail 34 

The Bones Enumerated 35 

The Slceleton Described 37 

CHAPTER III. 
The Foot and Locomotory Apparatus. 

The Subject Defined 38 

Motion in General 38 

The Limbs in General 39 

The Foot in General 39 

Bones at the Foot 40 



XVlll TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

The Pedal or Coffin-bone 40 

Bones and their Articulations 41 

Ligaments and T^ubricants 41 

Muscles of the Foot and Leg ■ 42 

Soft Tissues 43 

Sensitive Tissues • 44 

Circulation of the Foot 45 

Nerve Supply 46 

Horny Tissues 46 

The Wall, the Sole, the Frog 47 

Development of the Hoof 48 

Importance of the Subject 49 

Colored Plates, with Anatomical Sections, described 50 

Queries and Answers, Outlining the Anatomy of the Foot 63 

CHAPTER IV. 

Practical Horseshoeing — Science, Art and Common Sense. 

Prof. Russell in His Study 67 

Necessity of Shoeing 68 

Past and Present 69 

Important to Horsemen 70 

Essential Knowledge 71 

Condensed Anatomy 72 

The Center of Gravity 73 

Emphasizing the Facts 74 

Variation of Feet ^ 75 

The Angle of Incidence 75 

What Rule to go by 75 

How to get on in the Work 76 

Farriers' Tools 76 

Russell's Scientific Foot Adjuster 77 

The Adjuster Applied — for Leveling and Balancing the Foot 77 

Other Mechanical Aids 77 

Method of Procedure 78 

Different Kinds of Feet 81 

The Natural Model 81 

Rational Shoeing 82 

Fundamental Principles 82 

Securing the Levels S3 

Maintaining the Balance 83 

Preparing the Foot for the Shoe 83 

" Opening up the Heels " 84 

Indefensible Practices 85 

Thinning out the Sole 85 

Trimming the Frog 85 

Weight of the Shoe 86 

Form of the Shoe 88 

Setting the Shoe 88 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. XIX 

PAGE. 

Hot and Cold Fitting 88 

Adaptation of the Shoe 90 

Fullering and Punching 91 

Concerning the Nails 91 

Driving the Nails , 92 

The Finished Work !)2 

Sizes and Uses of Nails 93 

CHAPTER V. 
Shoeing Young Horses — Action and Gait. 

Condition of Action 1 04 

Care Bestowed in Colthood 105 

First Trial of Shoes 105 

Modifications of Action 106 

Care of Horses' Mouths 107 

Handling Young Horses 1 08 

Determining the Gait 1 09 

Regulating the Gait 110 

Balancing the Action 110 

The Useful Gait 112 

CHAPTER VI. 

Special and General Shoeing. 

Difierent Kinds of Feet 114 

The Running or Galloping Horse 1 15 

The Trotting Horse 117 

Records of Champion Trotters from 1806 to 1894 118 

The Pacing Horse 121 

The Racking Horse 121 

The General Purpose Horse 122 

The Draft Horse 123 

Frog Pressure 1 27 

Proportions of the Hoof 1 28 

Resetting the Shoes 129 

CHAPTER VII. 

Lameness and Diseases op the Foot. 

Pathological Shoeing 131 

Causation of Diseases 132 

Locating the Lameness 134 

Laminitis or Founder 136 

Primary or Passive Stage 137 

Acute Stage — Villitis 137 

Chronic or Violent Stage 138 

Complications of Laminitis — Dropped Sole 141 

Peditis, Periostitis, Suppuration 142 

.iSeedy Toe 143 



XX TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Dished Foot 1^^ 

Side Bones (Ossified Cartilages) 146- 

Parallel of Normal and Abnormal Leg Bones 148- 

Hot Fitting, Clips and Spurs 151 

Contraction 154 

Toe Cracks • • 159- 

Quarter Cracks 1^1 

Corns 1"^ 

Navicular Disease 165 

Raised or Twisted Coronet K^S- 

Another Example of Peditic Disorganization 170 

Dished-wheel Foot I'O- 

Wheeled Foot 173 

Defective Ankle Joints or Knuckling 174 

Knee Sprung 1 7G- 

Curb 178 

Spavin 179- 

Thrush 180 

Canker 181 

Scratches 182 

Foot Rot 182. 

CHAPTER VITI. 
Faults of Structure and Action. 

Regulated or Restricted by Shoeing 184- 

Faulty Positions of the Limbs and Feet 186 

Care of the Foot from Colthood 190 

Splay Foot — Knee Hitting 192 

Forging or Clicking 194 

Speedy Cutting 197 

Ankle, Shin and Knee Cutting 198 

Sprains of the Tendons 199 

Elbow and Arm Cutting 200 

Adjustable Toe Weight 200 

More about Ankle, Shin and Knee Hitting 202 

CHAPTER IX. 
Specific and Remedial Shoeing. 

Its Purpose and Scope Delineated 204 

Centennial Shoe, No. 1 206 

Centennial Shoe, No. 2 207 

Centennial Shoe, No. 3 207 

Raised Spring Shoe 208 

Scooped-Toe Rolling-Motion Shoe 209 

" Goldsmith Maid " Bar Shoe 2ia 

Shoe to Prevent Forging, etc 211 

Non-padding Shoe 211 

Rolling-IMotiou Shoe, No. 1 212 



tablp: of contents. xxi 

PAGE. 

Rolling-Motion Shoe, No. 2 212 

Shoe to Prevent Stumbling 213 

Toe Weight Shoe 214 

Improved Toe Weight Shoe ...» 215 

Turn-Table Shoe 216 

Common-Sense Shoe 217 

Side Weight Shoe 218 

Rolling-Motion Shoe on Foot 218 

Shoes for Draft Horses 219 

Shoe to Prevent Paddling, Cutting, etc 220 

Shoe for Bruised Heels, Corns, etc 220 

8hoe to Balance and Slow Action of Trotting Horses 221 

Shoe for Track and Road Horses 222 

Shoe for Ankle Hitting 222 

Shoe to Widen Action 223 

Side- Weight Shoe to Equalize the Wearing 224 

Shoe to Prevent Ankle Cutting 224 

Shoe for Curb, Spavin and Sore Tendons 225 

Shoe to Prevent Bruising and Calking 226 

Shoe to Prevent Twisting 226 

Shoe for AVheeled Foot 227 

Scooped-Toe Rolling-Motion Shoe 227 

Shoe for Line Trotters, to Prevent Scalping 228 

Bar Shoe, for Line Trotters 229 

Rasp-Cut Shoe to Prevent Clipping 229 

Rasp-Cut Shoe to Prevent Slipping 230 

Raised Split-Bar Shoe for Contraction, etc 230 

Scooped-Toe Grab Shoe 231 

Center Bearing Double Rolling-Motion Bar Shoe 231 

Scooped-Toe Grab Shoe for Speedy Cutting 232 

Scooped Grab-Toe Bar Shoe 232 

Three-quarter Shoe 233 

Shoes for Sprained Tendons (five views) 234 

Spreading Shoe (two views) 236 

Shoe to Prevent Dragging and Forging 237 

Shoe to Prevent Ankle Hitting 237 

Use and Abuse of Tips 238 

Sharpening or Winter Shoeing 239 

All about Calks 240 

CHAPTER X. 
A Tableau of Horse Shoes and Tools. 

No. 1, Case and Description of Farriers' Tools 242 

No. 2, Case and Description of Shoes 244 ^ Showing a progressive 

No. 3, Case and Description of Shoes 246 ( series of 170 difl'erent 

No. 4, Case and Description of Shoes 248 C patterns of old and new 

No. 5, Case and Description of Shoes 250 J styles for all purposes. 

Russell's Scientific Foot and Heel Adjusters 252 

Russell's Hand Vise for Hot Filing and Foot Testers 253 



Xxii TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

PAGK. 

CHAPTER XL 
Useful Prescriptions. 

Cleansing the Feet 255 

Foot Salve, for Various Diseases, Wounds, etc .255-6 

Condition Powders ,. 257 

Green Liniment for Sores 257 

Liniment for Soreness. 257 

Hoof Paste or P'oot Restorer 258 

Ointment for Granulations, etc 258 

Liniment for Pains 259 

Eye Wash 259 

Salve for Scratches, etc 259 

Recipe for Colic 260 

Hoof Ointment 260 

Recipe for Kidney Trouble 260 

Recipe for Loosing up Cold in the Head 261 

Recipe for Knuckling 261 

Liniment for Inflammations 262 

Recipe for Splints 262 

Caustic Wash for General Purposes 262 

Caution not to Use Acids 263 

Recipe for Ringbone, Spavin, etc 26S 

To Remove Warts on Horses 263 

For Lampers 263 

Cough Powders 264 

Worm Medicine 264 

To Kill Lice on the Horse. 264 

Cough Syrup 264 

For Punctured Wounds in the Foot 265 

To Stop the Flow of Blood 265 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XXIU 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



1. Model Light Horse 24 

2. Skeleton of the Horse 36 

3. Bones of the Foot 50 

4. Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments and Joints of Leg and Foot 51 

5. Median Section of Leg and Foot from Base to Knee 52 

6. Side of Foot with Hoof removed showing the Lamina? 53 

7. Front of Foot with Hoof removed showing the Laminse 54 

8. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — outer side 55 

9. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — inner side 56 

10. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — front 57 

11. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — back 58 

12. Plantar Face of Coffin-bone and Insertion of Tendon 59 

13. Plantar Reticulum — with Veins, Nerves, etc 60 

14. Velvety Tissue or Sensitive Sole and Plantar Cushion 61 

15. Inside View of Perfect Hoof 62 

16. Bed Plate of Kussell's Foot Adjuster 94 

17. Side View of Adjuster 94 

18. Front View of Adjuster 94 

19. Back View of Adjuster 95 

20. Russell's Leveling Plate 95 

21. Compass for Spanning the Hoof, etc 95 

22. Position of Foot for Examination 96 

23. Sole or Lower Face of Perfect Foot Leveled, etc 97 

24. Upper Face of Perfect Foot 98 

25. Side of Perfect Leg and Foot Leveled and Balanced 99 

26. Transverse Section of Foot and Leg 100 

27. Front Foot Shoe for General Purposes 101 

28. Side of Perfect Foot Properly Shod as directed 102 

29. Full Size Section of Perfect Hoof— showing Natural Proportions — with 

Shoe Properly Nailed in Position 103 

30. Racing Plate for Running Horses 116 

31. English Seated Shoe for Saddle Horses 122 

32. Front Foot Shoe for Draft Horses 126 

33. Hind Foot Shoe for Draft Horses 12() 

34. Median Section of a " Foundered " Foot 139 

35. Front Foot Shoe for Dropped Flat or Weak-Soled Feet 140 

36. Side of Hoof with Shoe Sprung off the Heel 141 

37. Bottom View of same Hoof 141 

38. Coffin-bone Distorted by Laminitis and Peditis 142 

39. Specimen of Seedy Toe I43 



Xiiv LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PAGE. 

40. Another Example of Seedy Toe 144 

41. The Same Hoof Straightened on One Side 145 

42. Dished Foot and Dropped Sole 146 

43. Side Bone or Ossified Cartilage 147 

44. Hoof from which Fig. 43 was taken 147 

45. Normal Position of Foot and Leg Bones 148 

46. Abnormal Position of same 148 

47. Outside Appearance of Side Bones 150 

48. Hoof of Draft Horse with Spur Inside 151 

49. Bottom of same Hoof showing Contraction, etc 152 

50. Median Section of Hoof showing Spurs, etc 152 

51 . Upper Face of Coffin-bone worn by Spur, etc 153 

62. Contracted Hoof 155 

53. Lower Face of Same Hoof 155 

64. Median Section of Foot showing Efiects of Contraction 156 

55. Mule's Hoof Overgrown and Contracted 158 

56. Mule Shoe 158 

57. Toe Crack in Hoof Properly Dressed 159 

58. Quarter Crack in Hoof Properly Dressed and Shod 161 

59. Bottom of Hoof Properly Shod for Quarter Crack 162 

60. Inside of Hoof showing Toe Corns 164 

61. Navicular Disease as Indicated by the Hoof 166 

62. Navicular Bone Diseased (one half size) 166 

63. Bar Shoe for Navicular Disease 167 

64. Raised Coronet as seen from Back of Hoof 169 

65. Peditis, or Chronic Laminitis shown by Abnormal Hoof 170 

66. Median Section of same Hoof showing Structural Changes 171 

67. Back View of Hoof showing Dished Quarter and Curled Heel 172 

68. Side View of Another Dished Foot 173 

69. Side View of Wheeled Foot 174 

70. Knuckling or Defective Ankle Joint 174 

71. Shoe to Prevent and Cure Knuckling 175 

72. Position of Leg when Knee Sprung 176 

73. Faulty Positions of Hind Legs (side view) 186 

74. Faulty Positions of Hind Legs (back view) 187 

75. Correct Positions of Hind Legs (side view) 188 

76. Faulty Positions of Fore Legs (front view) 188 

77. Faulty Positions of Fore Legs (front view) 189 

78. Correct Positions of Fore Legs ( front and side) 189 

79. Shoe for Splay Foot and Chronic Knee Hitters 194 

80. Shoe for the Relief of Sore Tendons, etc 199 

81 . Adjustable Toe Weight (side view) 201 

82. Adjustable Toe Weight (ground tread) 201 

83. Front Foot Shoe, for Ankle or Shin Hitting 202 

84. Hind Foot Shoe, for A.nkle or Shin Hitting 202 

85. Centennial Shoe, No. 1 206 

86. Centennial Shoe, No. 2 207 

87. Centennial Shoe, No. 3 208 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XXV 

PAGE. 

88. Raised Spring Bar Shoe 208 

89. Scooped-Toe Rolling-Motion Shoe 209 

90. " Goldsmith Maid " Bar Shoe 210 

91. Shoe to Lessen Knee Action, Prevent Forging, etc 210 

92. Non-paddling Shoe 211 

93. Rolling-Motion Shoe, No. 1, for Knee Sprung, Sore Tendons, etc 212 

94. Rolling-Motion Shoe, No. 2 213 

95. Front Foot Shoe to prevent Stumbling, etc 213 

96. Front Foot Toe- Weight Shoe to Balance Action 215 

97. Improved Toe- Weight Shoe 215 

98. Front Foot Turn-Table Shoe, for Various Diseases 216 

99. Common-Sense Four-Calk Shoe, for Faulty Movements 217 

100. Front Foot Side- Weight Shoe, for Ankle or Knee Hitting 218 

101. Side of Foot with Roller Motion Shoe 218 

102. Front Foot Shoe for Draft Horse 219 

103. Front Foot Shoe for Draft Horse 219 

104. Non-paddling Shoe, Ankle and Shin Cutting 220 

105. Shoe for Bruised and Ulcered Heels, Corns, etc 220 

106. Shoe to Balance and Slovv^ Action of Trotters 221 

107. Shoe for Track and Road Horses 222 

108. Shoe for Extreme Cases of Ankle and Knee Hitting 222 

109. Shoe to Widen the Action Behind 223 

110. Hind Foot Side-Weight Shoe 224 

111. Hind Foot Shoe for Ankle Cutting 224 

112. Shoe for Curb, Spavin and Sore Tendons 225 

113. Shoe to prevent bruising or Calking the Coronet 226 

114. Shoe with Calkins to prevent twisting 226 

115. Shoe for Wheeled Foot 227 

116. Scooped-Toe Rolling-Motion Shoe 228 

117. Shoe for Line Trotters to prevent Scalping 228 

118. Bar Shoe for Line Trotters 228 

119. Rasp-Cut Bar Shoe to prevent Slipping 229 

120. Rasp-Cut Scooped-Toe Grab Shoe 230 

121. Raised Split-Bar Shoe for Contraction, etc 230 

122. Scoop-Toe Grab Shoe 231 

123. Center-Bearing Double Rolling- Motion Bar Shoe 231 

124. Scooped-Toe Grab Shoe to prevent Speedy Cutting 232 

125. Scooped Grab-Toe Bar Shoe to prevent Slipping 232 

126. Three-quarter Spring Tongue Shoe for Sand Cracks, etc 233 

127. Shoe on Hoof for Sprained Tendons, Wounds, etc 234 

128. Modified Form of same Shoo 234 

129. Ground Surface of Shoe, Fig. 127 235 

130. Ground Surface of Shoe, Fig. 128 235 

131. Foot Bearing Surface of Shoe, Figs. 128 and 130 235 

132. Ground Surface of Spreading Shoe 236 

133. Foot Bearing Surface of same Shoe 236 

134. Shoe to prevent Dragging and Forging 237 

135. Shoe to prevent Ankle Hitting 237 



XXVI LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PAGE. 

136. Case No. L Improved Tools for Scientific Horseshoeing 242 

137. Case No, 2. Description of Shoes 244 

138. Case No. 3. Description of Shoes 246 

139. Case No. 4. Description of Shoes 248 

140. Case No. 5. Description of Shoes 250 

141. Russell's Foot Adjuster 252 

142. Russell's Heel Adjuster 252 

143. Russell's Foot Testers 253 

144. Russell's Hand Vise for Hot Rasping Shoes 253 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER I. 
THE HORSE IN GENERAL. 

JUDGING THE USEFUL QUALITIES OP LIGHT HORSES. 

At the present day, when the horse is so universally em- 
ployed, and when, as a rule, each description of work is per- 
formed by an animal having qualities especially adapted for it, 
most men claim to be familiar with the general characteristics 
that distinguish or mark the several types of horses, but few are 
really qualified to make an accurate discrimination between 
them, or have the ability to recognize or to judge knowingly of 
the " points " of a horse when it confronts them. This demands 
a close study of the useful qualities of a horse in all his spheres 
of labor, as well as a close knowledge of his vices, defects, and 
relative soundness in all parts, and implies the possession of ripe 
experience, extensive observation, and intimate acquaintance 
with the ideals that guide breeders in the countless shiftings of 
their work to suit the varying dictates of utility and fashion. 
These attainments are rare and difficult possessions. Previous, 
therefore, to making a critical examination of the organs and 
functions of locomotion, in their relation to shoeing, which is in- 
tended to be the main theme of this book, it is best to take a 
prehminary view of the horse at large, that will, by a natural 
and easy process, lead to a discussion of the details of the 
subject. 

(25) 



26 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Ideal Hors8. — The ideal type of horse is the blending to- 
gether of a great many, and this may account for the divergence 
of opinion respecting it, for it is only ideal in the minds of 
some ; each see in part and contribute their observation, and the 
ideal type becomes evolved; and it is in knowing this type that 
the skill of the judge is displayed. 

Light Horses. — It is by patient labor that great works are 
accomplished, and this applies with much force and truth to the 
American method of breeding and training young horses to-day. 
The trotting horse is distinctively America's national horse and 
par excellence the light roadster of the world, and has been 
evolved from the thoroughbred and draft horse in a period of 
less than one hundred years, until now he stands the product of 
the highest and most perfect development of grace, speed, and 
nervous animal force. The light horses of America may be said 
to be included mostly under three heads — the roadster, carriage, 
and cob ; and basing this division on the sphere in which each 
of the types act, we find the trotter the pure bred prototype of 
the roadster, the coach breeds of Europe bearing the same rela- 
tion to the carriage horse of e very-day occupation, and the hack- 
ney the progenitor of the cob. 

The qualities that have the highest value in the roadster are 
speed, stamina, and style; speed at the trotting gait, and the 
talent of making a pleasing display. Such a horse must have 
a free and easy way of going, with a spirited and graceful move- 
ment. The typical roadster has a well-balanced stride and a 
high-headed straight movement that wastes no eflbrt or time. 
He is not a light horse, nor a heavy one, but has the deep chest, 
round barrel and long-drawn quarters, chiseled limbs, tense mus- 
cles, dense clean bone, lean tendons, and refined appearance ob- 
servable among the best turf campaigners. 

The prominent peculiarities of the carriage horse may be 
grouped as style, size, and substance. The sphere of the car- 



THE HORSE IX GENERAL. 27 

riage horse is diflerent from the roadster, and the type is tall, 
with a muscular, large-boned, up and outstanding attitude, 
having the appearance of style and a comparatively slow 
movement. 

The cob is the counterpart of the hackney in the common 
current of horse life, distinguished by the series of beautiful 
curves that define the outline. The rotundity of the rib and the 
plump muscular quarters and arched molding of the neck are 
influential features in producing the appearance. In movement, 
the spirit, dash, and striking muscular action of the knees and 
hocks impress the beholder with the style it displays and the 
appearance of graceful effort without corresponding speed. 

These different types embrace also what might be said here 
in description of the different forms, and include in a general 
way the three points of size, symmetry, and substance. 

The carriage horse should be sixteen hands, the cob fifteen 
hands two inches, and the roadster has no recognized limits. It 
is hard to say to what degree size adds to a horse's value. 
Speed does not seem to be always an associate of size, but as the 
market runs it would be advisable to give it some consideration 
in the roadster classes. 

Symmetrical Qualities. — The proportions of a horse for 
symmetry should be such as to make a well-balanced w^hole. 
The trotter has a proportion of parts peculiarly its own, and 
likewise the other types, and any deviation from these should 
be considered. The substance of a horse is not solely related to 
weight. It is a consideration bearing on power and endurance ; 
the density of bone, curve of muscle, and development of the 
vital organs are the chief concern, and durability as connected 
with these qualities is of prime importance to all horses. The 
term, good or high quality, as applied to horses, is understood 
to refer to clean-cut features, glove-like skin, silky hair, and 
firm, clean bone and tendons; these are evidences of good 



28 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

healthy organization and valuable indications of power under 
hard strains of usage. 

Judging Action, — To form a correct idea of the action of 
a horse, it is necessary to observe it from the front, at the sides, 
and behind. As he squares away from you, the width and 
straightness of the movement may be noticed. An outward 
swing to the hind limbs, as well as a dishing in of the front 
action, is to be discountenanced. As the horse comes toward 
you, the smoothness of action is made apparent. A wide chest 
is usually connected with a rolling motion that gives a horse an 
awkward method of moving. From a side view, it is easy to 
observe if the action is balanced, and the knee action can be 
noted. A stiff knee action may indicate speed when it is rapid 
and gliding, but it is hard on the fore legs. The front action 
should be such as to give the limbs the appearance of unfolding 
gradually and steadily reaching out to cover as much ground as 
possible. Many horses have an easy, pleasant knee action, but 
the fault lies in the slowness of recovery. In the action of the 
hind limbs, the style and hock movement should be observed. 
Horses that are long-backed or weak-loined have a dwelling 
action behind that is unpleasing and detracts from their speed. 
If there is any thing the matter with the joints of a horse, it is 
quickly disclosed by the irregularity of their action. Most in- 
firmities have a distinct influence on the regularity of the move- 
ment. The walk is also of great importance in considering the 
action. The horse should carry his head well up and his step 
should be lightly measured and deliberate, his feet being lifted 
clear of the ground and placed down evenly. The hind and 
fore limbs should work in unison, with an elastic, nervy move- 
ment that lifts some of the soil with every step. The flexion of 
the hocks should be free and straight, throwing the hind feet 
well under the body. 



THE HORSE IN GENERAL. 29 

Structural Examination. — The chief aim of a critical 
structural examination is to discover blemishes and any un- 
soundness of " wind or limb." 

It is of equal importance to recognize the conformation 
that gives rise to these diseases. The conformation favorable to 
the various diseases should be as familiar to the horse critic as 
the appearance of the diseases. The structural examination 
should begin at the head and extend over all regions systemat- 
ically, so that no parts may be overlooked. The shape of the 
head and the expression of the countenance add to the beauty 
and tell much of the mind and disposition of a horse. When 
the line from the poll to the point of the nose is almost 
straight, it contributes greatly to the beauty of a horse's head. 
The nostrils should be widely expanded, as indicating well-devel- 
oped respiratory organs. The features of the face should be dis- 
tinct, the muzzle fine, with breadth enough between the eyes to 
give a pleasing, docile, sensible appearance, and to mark the in- 
dication of brain development. A large, bright, clear, full eye 
reflects a kind, courageous disposition, with plenty of staying 
power or stamina at the bottom. Active and slightly pointed 
ears are indicative of unimpaired hearing and an energetic dis- 
position. A lithe, distinctly-lined neck is one of the most 
pleasing and taking features of a handsome horse. It begins 
with a light throttle and swells smoothly into the shoulders. 
The wind-pipe stands out large and distinct below, while above, 
the crest gives a fuller curve and more muscular development to 
the part. The chest should be deep rather than broad, as giving 
equal capacity while permitting the free play of the shoulder- 
blade on the body. The floor of the chest should be low be- 
tween the fore legs, and of good length from the point of the 
chest to that of the elbow. 

Muscular Development. — The formation of the shoulders 
has much to do with the elasticity and quickness of the front 



30 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

action. The length and obliquity of the shoulder-blades are the 
influential features. A long shoulder-blade implies long mus- 
cles, and these possess the greatest elasticity. Short and heavy 
muscles are productive of power at the expense of speed. Up- 
right shoulders result in a short, stilted front action, while slop- 
ing shoulders give the leg a far-reaching motion. Horses of 
this conformation carry their heads well and legs well under the 
body, that adds much to their appearance. 

Front Limbs. — As a whole, the front legs should be rather 
flat and cordy, due to properly attached tendons. In their pro- 
portions, the limbs should be long from the elbow to the knee 
and relatively short from thence to the ground. It is the upper 
part that is muscular, the lower portion being controlled by ten- 
dons, and it is desirable to have these muscles long and the dis- 
tance over which the tendons move short, that there may be no 
waste of energy and a better control over the lower extremities. 

Breadth and depth are very desirable in the knee, that con- 
cussion may be better distributed and carried off. The pisi- 
form-bone should be sharp and prominent, for to it is attached 
one of the important muscles of the fore limb. The cannon 
should be short, flat, and clean of any thickness of tendon or 
bone disease. A pastern of the proper proportions not only 
adds to the gracefulness and elasticity of the action, but to its 
reach as well. A slope of forty-five to fifty degrees seems to be 
about right to give the required degree of strength and supple- 
ness. When the pastern is too long, weakness follows ; but 
when right in length and slope, there is a combination of 
strength, elasticity, and gracefulness beautiful to observe. 

When the foot leaves the ground the pastern is bent back, 
but when it again touches the ground, it is extended fully and 
brings the foot down on its heels. There is no other part of 
the mechanism of a horse that does more work and does it with 
less friction than a sound and perfectly proportioned pastern. 



THE HORSE IN GENERAL. 31 

Feet and Legs. — It is unnecessary for me to say that the 
feet should receive the most rigorous and careful criticism. The 
old maxim, " no foot, no horse," is to all intents and purposes 
more applicable to-day than when it was first expressed. 

The perfect foot is of firm texture, fair size, and, of course, 
thoroughly sound in all its parts. The general healthiness of 
it is denoted by the natural waxy appearance of the horny 
fibers, the well-formed, cup-like sole, and the marks of natural 
usage of the spongy frog as a buffer. 

Flatness of sole, dessicated or brittle walls, and contracted 
heels owing to mutilation of the frog, are defections commonly 
met with, not to say any thing of the abnormal variations that 
occur in the direction of the axis of the foot. A skillful judge 
may well spend one-half of his allotted time on the feet of the 
horses undergoing examination, to detect or give tokens of 
recognition to any defects of the wall, to see that the horn is 
dense and free from cracks ; the sole, to observe the absence of 
any disease and the presence of the natural concavity and con- 
nections ; the heel to see that the feet are medium size and of 
proper shape, the frog large and wide, and the bars strong 
and high. 

The Trunk. — Passing onward the ribs claim attention. 
Round ribs that spring out from the spine may give the horse 
the appearance of being too long in the legs, but they are 
nevertheless good in point of giving the greatest amount of 
space to the vital organs. Close coupling to the hip is strength, 
and so is a broad loin thick with layers of muscles. Consider- 
ing the proportions of the body, it is evident that the shorter it 
is above and the longer it is beneath, the better for the action. 
This formation gives rise to the approving term that "he stands 
over a deal of ground," and is associated with sloping shoulders. 
In such a conformation the legs have free play, and there is no 
loss of strength. 



32 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Hind Limbs. — The hind quarters should be scrutinized as 
to muscular development. From the construction of the hind 
quarters, it is observable that most of the propelling power 
comes from this source, and though the fore hand contributes 
in a degree, yet it chiefly supports the weight and carries the 
body ; in fact, we may almost compare the hind and fore legs 
of the horse to the drivers and forward trucks of a locomotive. 
The shoulder-blade of the fore leg, attached only by muscles, 
plays upon the body loosely, while the hind limb is connected 
to it by a powerful ball- and socket-joint. The muscular de 
velopment of the hind legs should be such as to cover any 
ranginess of the hips, which should also be wide and level. The 
croup from hip to tail requires length, width, and muscle to give 
it proportion and service. Long and muscular thighs, well 
spread and open-angled, provide for a long, quick stride. The 
quarters require an abundance of muscle extending well down 
on the legs. Below this the gaskin, or lower thigh, should be 
long so as to let the hock well down, and it should also be mus- 
cular and wide. For the hock to do its work to the best ad- 
vantage and remain free from disease, it is necessary for it to be 
straight, broad in front, sharp behind, and free from any gum- 
miness. Experience, knowledge and observation are essentials 
to the accurate judgment of these various points, as I have al- 
ready indicated. And much more might be written on the sub- 
ject, but the foundation of facts which I have thus far prepared 
will be found sufficiently broad, I trust, to include whatever may 
be necessary to insure a ready comprehension of the essential 
matters involved in judging light horses as most commonly pur- 
sued, the primary object being to show that scrupulous care 
must be constantly employed in the selection to secure a good 
representative of the equine kind. 



BONES OF THE HOUSE. 33 



CHAPTER II. 
BONES OF THE HORSE. 

THE SKELETON. 

In the animal body, the bones form an internal framework, 
consolidating the whole structure and giving it general form 
and dimensions. In their connection and natural assemblage 
they constitute the skeleton, and before undertaking a particular 
description of the foot, it is advantageous that a summary indi- 
cation of the general principles of the skeleton of a horse 
should be known, in order to better understand the details of 
the special parts with which we are afterward to have most to 
do. The skeleton is divided into the trunk and limbs. The 
trunk consists of the spine, a series of distinct bones, jointed 
one to another in the middle upper part of the trunk of which 
it is the essential portion, forming a flexible support to the en- 
tire body from the head to the tail ; and the ribs attached to the 
spine above and the sternum below, inclosing the thorax or 
chest and viscera. 

The Limbs. — The limbs, four in number, distinguished as 

the two anterior (or fore) and the two posterior (or hind), are 

the supports of the trunk, and are each divided into several 

parts, resting one upon another. Each limb has four principal 

regions, those of the front limbs being the shoulder, resting 

against the front part of the chest ; the arm, next below the 

shoulder ; the forearm, succeeding the arm ; and the foot, the 

end of the limb. Those of the hind limbs are the haunch or 

pelvis, connected with the hind part of the spine, and the thigh, 

leg, and foot. 

3 (33) 



34 SCIENTIFIC horsb:shoeing. 

Bones Detailed. — The various bones entering into the 
composition of the skeleton of an adult horse are apportioned 
to the regions of the trunk and limbs, as follows : 

The spine or vertebral column consists of bones more or 
less regular in their form, divided into five regions. 

The cervical, 7 vertebrae, serving as a base for the neck. — 
The dorsal, 18 vertebrse, to which the ribs connect. — The lumbar, 
6 vertebrffi, supporting the loins. — The sacral, 5 vertebrae, in age 
fusing into one bone — the sacrum. — The coccygeal, 16 vertebrae, 
decreasing in size to form the tail. 

The first cervical is called the atlas, being elevated above 
the others, and supports the head. The second cervical is the 
axis, being the center upon which the atlas turns. The four- 
teenth dorsal is the center to which all motions and weights 
are referred. 

The thorax consists of the eighteen ribs on each side, 
placed against the dorsal vertebrae as mentioned, and resting by 
their lower ends on the sternum, or breast-bone, 37 bones in all. 

The head is divided into two regions, the cranium and face. 
It is formed of 28 bones, which are distinct only in young colts, 
for when matured the majority of these bones are united and 
can not be separated. 

The shoulder has for its base a single bone on each side — 
the scapula or collar-bone — making 2 bones for double region. — 
The arm has also only one bone to each limb — the humerus — or 
2 for double region. — The forearm has 2 bones — the radius and 
ulna — 4 for double region. — The forefoot, from knee down, has 
16 bones, or 32 for double region — that is, the pisiform, cune- 
iform, lunar, scaphoid, unciform, magnum, and trapezoid bones 
form the carpus or knee, and the cannon-bone and two splints 
form the metacarpus, while the phalangeal or digital region is 
formed of the two sessamoids, upper and lower pastern-bones, 
navicular-bone, and coffin- or pedal-bone. 



BONES OF THE HORSE. 35 

The pelvis of the back limbs is formed by the union of the 
sacrum and the two ossa innomiuata or coxse, making for the 
double region 2 bones. — The thigh has for its base one bone — 
the femur — 2 for the double region. — The leg has for its base 3 
bones — the tibia, fibula, and patella — making 6 for the double 
region. — The hindfoot bears a great resemblance to the same 
region in front : 6 bones form the tarsus or hock — the astraga- 
lus, calcis, cuboid, scaphoid, great cuneiform, and small cunei- 
form — making 12 for the double region. — The bones of the 
metatarsus or shank are three in number — the cannon and two 
splints — making 6 for the double region. — The bones of the foot 
or digital region behind are the same in number and name as 
those described for this region before — two sesamoids, two 
pasterns, navicular, and coffin- or pedal-bone — making 12 for 
the double region. 

There are four bones in each ear, and the tongue is made 
up in five sections. Summing up, therefore, we find the bones 
of the horse distributed in the manner indicated in the following: 
table : 

Bones Enumerated. — Spine or vertebral column (entire 
length, but counting the sacral as one bone — the 

sacrum), ......... 48 

Thorax or chest, 37 

Head — cranium, face, ears, and tongue, . . . .41 

Shoulders, forearm and foot — double regions, . . 40 

Pelvis, thigh, hindleg and foot — double regions, . . , 40 

Teeth, 40 



Total, 246 

Fig. 2 shows the skeleton of the horse with the bones in 
their totality and natural relation to each other enumerated and 
described. 



36 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




BONES OF THE HORSE. 



37 



DESCRIPTION— ARTIFICIAL SKELETON OF THE HORSE. 



1. Cranium and upper jaw. 

2. Lower jaw. 

3. Cervical vertebrae— Jointed process of 
the neck. 

4-4. Dorsal vertebrae— Jointed process of 
the back. 

5-5. Lumbar vertebrae— Jointed process of 
the loins. 

6-6. Sacrum. A consolidation of the five 
sacral vertebrae, articulated, or jointed in 
front with the last lumbar, or loin, vertebrae, 
and behind with the first coccygeal bone; 
and on the sides with the coxae, the bones 
which, with the sacrum, form the pelvis or 
baunch. 

7-7. Coccygeal vertebrae — Jointed process 
■extending from sacrum backward. 

8. Sub-trochanterian crest. 

9-9. Sternal or true ribs. 

10-10. Cartilages of true ribs. 

11-11. Asternal, or false ribs. 

12-12. Cartilages of false ribs. 

13. Scapula, or collar bone. 

14. Fourteenth Dorsal Vertebra — The 
«xis upon whicli the carcass is hung. 

15. Radius — Forearm. 

16. Ulna, or elbow. 

17. Pisiform, or pea-shaped bone. 

18. Cuneiform, or wedge-shaped bone. 

19. Lunar bone. 

20. Trapezoid, or table bone. 

21. Magnum, or large bone. 

22. Scaphoid, or cradle bone. 

23. Unciform. This, with the last six 
oamed, make up the carpus or knee of the 
•front limb. 

24. Metacarpal, or cannon bone. 
25-26. Splint bones, two on each leg. 
27-28. Sesamoid bones, two on each leg. 

29. Large, or upper pastern bone. 

30. Small, or lower pastern bone. 

31. Pedal, cofiBn, or foot bone. 

32. Wings of coffin, or foot bone. 



33-36 and 34-35. Coxae— these bones with 
the sacrum form the pelvis. 
37. Femur, or thigh bone. 

Tibia, large leg bone. 

Calcis. 

Astralagus. 

Scaphoid or cradle bone. 

Cuneiform, or large wedge-shaped 



38. 

39. 

40. 

41. 

42. 
bone. 

43. 

44. 
bone. 



Cuboid, or cube bone. 
Little cuneiform, or wedge-shaped 
This, with the last five named, form 
the tarsus, or hock, of the hind limbs. 
45. Metatarsal, or cannon bone. 
46-47. External and internal splint bones. 

48. Humerus, or arm bone. 

49. Fibula annexed to tibia (38). 

A. Molars. 

B. Canine teeth, or tusks. 

C. Incisors. 

E. Atlas— First vertebra, or joint of neck, 
articulating or jointing immediately with 
the occipital or head bone, and sustaining 
the head. Hence its name. 

G. Orbit- Cavity in which the eye is situ- 
ated. 

M. Cariniform cartilage of head of hu- 
merus (48). 

N. Ensiform or sword-shaped cartilage 
of ulna (16). 

O. Coracoid process of scapula (13). 
Spine, or ridge of scapula (13). 
Cartilage of prolongation of scapula 



P. 
Q. 

(13). 
R. 

S. 



pulley -like process of 



External trochanter of humerus (48). 
Sternum, or breast bone supporting 
the ribs. 

T. Trochlea, 
femur (.37). 
U. External condyle of femur (37). 
V. Patella, or stifle annexed to femur (37). 
W. Hock joint. 
X. Major trochanter of femur (37). 



38 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER III. 
THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 

LOCOMOTORY APPARATUS. 

The Subject Defined. — The object of this chapter is to 
pass in concise review, the organs or apparatus controlling or 
ministering to the function of locomotion in the horse, certainly 
one of the most important in the economy of the animal, by the 
necessary co-operation it aflbrds the other organs and appara- 
tuses in the performance of their natural properties and func- 
tions, and similarly one of primary importance in approach- 
ing the study of its conditions in health and disease. For 
these reasons, then, a clear understanding of the foot in general 
is absolutely essential to every horseman and farrier, if they 
w^ould profit by its harmonious action and acquire practical 
working ideas of the relation of its parts and the mode of their 
co-operation, to be remembered, applied and utilized. 

Motion in General. — The locomotory apparatus is com- 
posed of two kinds or systems of organs — the bones and mus- 
cles. The bones are the hard, passive portions, with joints and 
movable articulating surfaces providing for the necessary play 
in their relative positions. The muscles, grouped around the 
bones, are the active portions of the movement — the motor 
engines of the limbs, in fact — being firmly attached to the bones 
at certain determinate points, either directly or by tendons, 
which contract upon the organs to be moved, and produce the 
different postures and various gaits of the living animal. 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 39 

The Limbs in General. — The bouy sections which com- 
pose the limbs are destined both for the support of the trunk 
and for its transport during progression. This double purpose 
marks a distinction between the fore and hind members. The 
front limbs, being nearest the center of gravity, have to sustain 
most of the body weight, and are therefore specially organized 
for this service. Thus, the scapula, or shoulder-bone, is at- 
tached only by muscles to the trunk, and the weight transmitted 
through them passes to the vertical bones of the leg below, 
which sustain the pressure without muscular assistance, but 
when it is finally thrown on the oblique bones of the foot, at 
the angle of the fetlock, nature has provided strong muscular 
bands for their support and maintenance. 

The hind limbs more especially play the part of propelling 
agents in the locomotory acts, and are joined in an angular 
manner to the difterent regions and by direct bony connection 
of the pelvis with the vertebral column, as may be seen by 
glancing at the skeleton, Fig. 2. Muscular agency is there- 
fore necessary to support these columns, but notwithstanding 
the difference in functions assigned these limbs, they offer 
striking resemblances to each other, and what remains to be 
said of one is to be considered applicable alike to all. 

The Foot in General. — The limits of this region are cus- 
tomarily held to extend from the lower end of the cannon or 
shank-bone, to the cofiin- or pedal-bone, inclusive, possessing 
the elements of a single digit inclosed in one hoof. Approach- 
ing a little nearer, we will proceed with the subject, from 
within to without, by first glancing at the parts contained in 
the hoof, returning afterward to a description of the horny 
case itself. 

The parts contained in the hoof may be given thus : 1. The 
pedal- or coffin-bone, and the navicular-bone, and the lower end 
of the small pastern, forming the articulation of the foot. 2. 



40 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

The ligaments binding this joint. 3. The terminations of the 
tendons that flex and extend the foot from their insertions in the 
coffin-bone. 4. The soft structures of the foot. 5. The sen- 
sitive structures, inchiding the vessels and nerves of this region. 

Bones of the Foot. — In addition to the foregoing, it is 
customary to include in each complete digit the ankle, and 
fetlock, as constituting the apparent foot of a horse. The 
bones of this region are then divided into three sections — 
reckoning from above to below — placed end to end one upon 
another, which are termed the phalanges. The first com- 
prises the large or upper pastern-bone and the two sesa- 
moids, which unite with the lower head of the cannon-bone 
in forming the pastern-joint. The second phalanx is composed 
of the small or lower pastern and by its contact with the upper 
pastern makes the pastern-joint. The third and last phalanx, 
terminating the limb, consists of the pedal- or coffin-bone and 
the navicular-bone, which unite with the lower end of the small 
pastern in forming the pedal- or coffin-joint. These bones are 
situated in an oblique direction downward and forward, and 
form the extremity of the digit upon which the soft structures 
of the foot are built, as shown in Fig. 3 and 5. 

The Pedal- or Coffin-bone. — The third phalanx of the foot 
has, from the earliest times, most occupied the attention of 
observers, owing to its greater liability than any bone of the 
extremities to injury from casualties natural to its peculiar situa- 
tion and uses. It is the base upon which the entire foot is 
constructed, sustaining the hoof that incloses it as it fixes itself on 
the ground, and acting as the point of leverage in receiving 
and applying the power involved in the movement of the limb. 
It is a very hard bone, very finely poroused with numerous 
perforations and channels for the penetration of blood-vessels 
and nerves supplying the enveloping tissues. Its lower bor- 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 41 

der swells forward in a half-circle and obliquely upward to a 
pyramidal eminence in its middle, on the front face of which is 
inserted the attachments of the principal extensor tendon of the 
foot, as shown in Fig. 4 and colored plates. 

The under face is hollowed out like an arch, corresponding 
to the sole of the hoof, and here the terminal tendon of the deep 
flexor of the foot — the flexor perforans — is inserted into the 
semi-lunar crest, widening in a remarkable manner over the 
median imprints, as shown in Fig. 12. 

There are tw^o lateral wings to this bone directed back- 
ward, on the summit of which the lateral cartilages of the foot 
are implanted. 

Bones and their Articulations. — In all those situations 
which have to sustain violent efforts, the substance of the bones 
is found to be very compact, formed of a proper tissue, covered 
outside with a tough, elastic membrane — the periosteum — and 
are abundantly supplied with, blood-vessels and nerves for their 
nutritive movement. On their articular surfaces — betw^een the 
opposing heads or facets combining in the joints — they are cov- 
ered with layers of elastic cartilage, which are of the greatest 
importance in the smooth gliding movements of the bones and 
in the reduction of shocks and articular friction. When they 
are worn or transformed into bone, in consequence of cer- 
tain articular maladies, the movements become painful and very 
difficult. 

Ligaments and Lubricants. — The structures w-hose office 
is to brace and maintain the joints in contact and unite the 
movable surfaces are the ligaments. These are powerful auxil- 
iaries of the muscular forces, give permanent equilibrium to 
the weight, and secure the firm and effective working of the 
articular surfaces. A serous membrane covers the internal 
face of the ligaments, which secretes the synovia, a kind of 



42 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

animal oil that facilitates the gliding of the articular surfaces 
and tendons. It is the vital lubricant of the living machine, and 
its use in the animal economy is identical with that of other 
greasy substances employed to lubricate mechanical bearings. 
See colored plates. 

Muscles of the Foot and Leg. — Following the indication 
given of the passive organs of locomotion, the bony levers and 
their joints, comes a reference to the active agents whose func- 
tion it is to move them. These are the muscles, and form, gen- 
erally speaking, the fleshy covering surrounding the bony 
frame-work and grouped around and attached to the bones of 
the extremities. 

The situation and direction of the muscles are important 
features to be acquired with regard to their arrangement and 
use in communicating motion to the leg and foot, for it allows 
the determination of the angle of incidence of a muscle on its 
arm of the lever, the relation of its principal axis to the vertical 
line, and its comparison with the axis of the bony lever which it 
moves. If the direction of the muscles be compared with that 
of the bones of the limb that they move, it will be found that 
they are parallel to these levers, and the proper direction of the 
bones being known to be rectilinear, that is, their principal axis 
being straight or parallel to the median plane of the body, it is 
sufficient to indicate that of the muscles to clearly establish this 
comparison. Undoubtedly the most essential part of the study 
of the muscles is their attachments or insertions, for with this 
knowledge we may determine their extent and direction, and 
even their relations and uses. The principal muscles of the 
extremities have fixed insertions of a cordy structure known as 
tendon or sinew. The superficial muscles are only related to 
the bones by their extremities, while the deep muscles are ap- 
plied by their bodies directly against the bones of the skeleton. 
Three principal tendons serve to move the bones of the foot. 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 43 

Two of these flex or bend the joints while the other straightens 
the column of bones thus displaced. The superficial flexor of 
the foot is the flexor perforatus, which is attaclied to the sides of 
the lower pastern-bone and flexes the ankle at the fetlock. The 
deep flexor of the foot is the flexor perforans, inserted into the 
bottom of the coflan-bone, whence it bends the cofiin-joint and 
with it the whole foot. The front extensor tendon of the foot 
is attached to the pyramidal process of the cofiin-bone. There 
are many other minor muscles, fixed and movable, connected 
with the cannon, splmts, and other bones of the limb, which as- 
sist in the various movements and in their degree relieve the 
controlling muscles of a share of the stress of weight, as well as 
of whatever force or stain is brought to bear upon them. See 
Fig. 4 and colored plates. 

Soft Tissues. — The bones, ligaments and muscles of tne 
foot are covered by a loose connective tissue, which gives sym- 
metry to the parts, and all are protected by the external cover- 
ing of skin and horn tissues. I have already mentioned that in 
connection with the cofiin-bone there is a supplementary appa- 
ratus of cartilage formation. This is composed of two lateral 
pieces, representing a thin flat plate on each side, of a fibrous 
elastic substance, pierced with openings for the passage of veins 
and nerves of the digital region. They are united behind and 
below to the plantar cushion, and in front cover the articulation 
of the cofiin-joint and synovial sac, blending into the ligaments 
at that point. These cartilages are adapted to act as pads in 
easing shocks caused by exertions of the foot, but it often 
happens that they undergo changes and are invaded by an 
ossifying process which converts them into bone, as explained 
in a subsequent chapter. 

The coronary cushion is a continuation of the skin and 
forms an intermediate juncture between it and the wall of the 
hoof, of which it is the matrix. It occupies a groove, called 



44 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

the cutigeral cavity, at the upper border of the horny wall, 
and forms a rounded prominence of dense, thick fibers, and 
assists in the elastic action of the cartilages and laminar tissues. 
Its surface is tufted with villi and shows a considerable number 
of nerves and blood-vessels which branch through its sub- 
stance and secrete the horny tissue of the wall. Around its 
upper border is a narrow, lip-like margin called the perioplic 
ring, from which exudes the periople — the natural horny var- 
nish of the wall. The coronary cushion mingles with the in- 
ternal tissues of the foot and becomes continuous with the 
bulbs of the sensitive frog. See colored plates. 

Sensitive Tissues. — The sensitive frog, or plantar cushion, 
is a thick, wedge-shaped mass of fibrous structure of fine 
elastic pulp situated beneath and behind the foot bones (to 
which it is attached) and between the back tendons (which it 
supports) and the lower part of the hoof. It is lodged in the 
fissures of the horny frog, receiving the spur or frog stay in the 
middle of its pyramidal body, which thus divides it into two 
diverging bulbs exactly like that of the outer frog to which it 
corresponds. At the point, or apex in front, it becomes con- 
tinuous with the sensitive sole, and at the sides is attached to 
the lower edges of the cartilages. The base, formed by the 
bulbs behind, is inclined upward, and mixes its fibers with the 
cartilages and coronary cushion. Numerous blood-vessels and 
nerves complete this structure. See colored plates. 

The sensitive sole, or velvety tissue, is the formative organ of 
the horny sole and frog. It is much thinner than the plantar 
cushion, and extends over or under the entire plantar region as 
well as the plantar cushion, which it covers by adapting itself 
to the inequalities of this elastic mass. This tissue shows the 
same structure as the coronary cushion, with the extremities of 
which it unites on the bulbs of the frog continuing above the 
laminae on the bars. The surface of this tissue is studded with 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 45 

villi, similar to those on the coronary cushion, which penetrate 
into and supply the horny sole and frog, and in its meshes are 
sustained the veins of the lower surface of the foot. See col- 
ored plates. 

Continuous with the sensitive sole (and resembling it in 
structure), and spreading over the entire outer or upper face of the 
coffin-bone until it is merged into the projecting substance of 
the coronary cushion, is a villous sheath, called the keratogenous 
membrane or laminal tissue, which completes the sensitive en- 
velopes of the extremity of the digit. This laminal tissue ex- 
hibits on the external face of the coffin-bone a series of fine 
elastic leaves, called the sensitive laminae, which lie in parallel 
rows, to the number of five or six hundred, running from above 
to below, separated by narrow, somewhat deep channels, into 
which are dovetailed similar horny leaves from the wall and 
bars of the hoof. This leafy tissue is intimately attached to the 
coffin-bone through the medium of the reticulum, w^hich also 
supports the veins that supply its secretion. Like the other 
vascular tissues, it is very richly supplied with blood-vessels and 
nerves, and is at once the seat of acute sensation and the point 
where the active changes of inflammation — villitis and lami- 
nitis — are especially concentrated, becoming morbidly increased 
through the efi'ects of bad shoeing, hard pulling, or driving and 
other like abuses. These parts are, in fact, the principal instru- 
ments concerned in the sensory apparatuses of the horse's foot, 
and the sensitive laminse play a most important mechanical part 
in concurring, by their dovetailing with the horny laminae, in 
securing the solidity of the hoof with the living parts as well as 
in supporting the weight of the animal, which is distributed 
through them upon the base of the wall. See colored plates. 

Circulation of the Foot. — As we have indicated in the 
foregoing analysis, all the soft or sensitive tissues of the foot are 
freely supplied with blood, in greater or less quantities, de- 



46 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



pending upon the function which the tissue has to perform. 
If this is great, as in the more sensitive parts of the foot, a large 
amount of blood is required, if the labor is a less exciting one, 
as in the cartilages, and ligaments or membranes, the nutrition 
is furnished bj imbibing the fluids brought to the surface by 
blood-vessels. The blood is carried from the heart to the vari- 
ous organs by the arteries or their small terminations, and is 
named red or arterial blood. The veins of general circulation 
bring the nutritive fluid back to the heart, and, according 
to its tint, it is named dark colored or venous blood. Both 
systems present at their extremities innumerable branches, 
which finally join each other, so that the fluid they carry 
passes from one to the other in a constant or circular di- 
rection. Between the two are small delicate networks of ves- 
sels called capillaries, which subdivide into a regular lacework 
so as to reach the neighborhood of every element. 

Nerve Supply. — The amount of blood, under normal con- 
ditions is governed by nerves of the sympathetic system 
which regulate the conditions of repose and activity. The 
nerves issue from the cranium and branch into all the organs 
like the arteries which they generally accompany. They fur- 
nish the stimulus to animal life, and in the digits are the 
essential instruments of touch or sensation. Three branches 
of the internal and external plantar nerves furnish the foot on 
each side, and accompany the digital artery and vein, which at; 
some points they cover with their divisions. The order of their 
distribution and termination, together with that relating to 
the circulatory system of the foot generally, will be clearly 
comprehended by a glance at the several colored plates illus- 
trating this section. 



Horny Tissues. — The hoof of the horse — considered as a 
whole — represents the horny outer covering, completing the ex- 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 47 

tremitj of the digit. It answers to the same natural purpose aa 
the nail in man, by protecting the sensitive parts beneath. It 
is united most intimately with the internal tissues by the in- 
terlocking processes of the surfaces in contact, and is made up 
of three portions — the wall, sole and frog. 

The Wall. — The wall is that portion visible when the foot 
rests on the ground, the middle of which is termed the toe, 
the adjoining fronts of face are the inside and outside toes, 
while the side regions are the quarters, the back extremities are 
the heels, which fold underneath and terminate in the bars. 
These parts are all continuous, diminishing in height and thick- 
ness from toe to heels, and all are lined with the horny leaves 
referred to. The bars are separated from the frog by lateral 
excavations called commissures, until they gradually fuse into 
sole. They form a lateral brace to the heels, limiting expan- 
sion and opposing contraction in these parts. The outside 
of the upper border is hollowed out, forming the cutigeral 
cavity of the coronary cushion and perioplic ring. 

The Sole. — The sole incloses the hoof on the ground sur- 
face, between the wall and bars, with which it is united through- 
out its extent. Its upper surface corresponds with the sen- 
sitive sole, showing the pores receiving the velvety tufts, and its 
external face is more or less concave according to circumstances. 
It is a thick horny plate, scaling oft' after a certain natural 
growth, and is designed to cover and protect the internal foot. 

The Frog. — Between the A shaped angle formed by the 
inflection of the bars at the heels, the frog — a prominent mass 
of spongy horn — is lodged. It is wedge-shaped, with its point 
near the center of the sole, to which it closely adheres along 
its lines as they diverge backward, where it becomes contin- 
uous with the coronary band. The frog is separated into two 



48 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

external branches by a median cleft, each branch forming a 
rounded elastic eminence at the heels where they cover the 
angles of inflection of the wall. The internal face of the frog 
is indented with pores like the sole, and is molded to conform 
to the body of the sensitive frog, having a triangular Assure 
divided into two channels by a spine or ridge-like spur, called 
the frog-stay, into and over which the sensitive frog is bedded. 
The frog, like the sole, exfoliates or scales off by usage and 
growth, and is the natural buffer of a healthy foot when al- 
lowed to come in contact with the ground. 

Development of the Hoof. — The horny substance consti- 
tuting the hoof of a horse is of a fibrous nature, formed of mi- 
nute hair-like tubes, cemented together by a tenacious opaque 
matter, taking its general color from the skin of the limb to 
which it adjoins ; the inner face of the wall, however, is al- 
ways of a light tint. The horny tissue of the hoof, being a de- 
pendency of the skin, is developed like it ; that is, by cells in 
rows and layers. The perioplic ring forms the beriople ; the 
coronary cushion, the wall, and the velvety tissue, the sole and 
frog. The consistence of the horn in the wall is dense, solid 
and compact, while that of the sole and frog is of a scaly, 
spongy nature. The growth of the wall of the hoof is constant 
or indefinite, but the sole and frog, after attaining a certain 
thickness, exfoliate and fall off, unless prevented by shoes from 
maintaining their natural flexibility. See colored plates. 

It may here be noted that the angle of wall of the hoof in 
front varies from forty-five to fifty-six degrees. The inner face 
of the wall at the middle of the toe is in line with the frog-stay, 
and in mules frequently shows a more or less prominence of base 
toward the lower margin of wall, which corresponds to a ver- 
tical depression in the coffin-bone, and it is not improbable that 
it serves the same purpose as the frog-stay — to maintain the posi- 
tion of the coffin-bone, and prevent its rotation within the hoof. 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 49 

Importance of the Subject. — The foot of the horse is an 
extremely important study because of the numerous diseases 
which affect this region, but what I have said, in thus review- 
ing the structure and normal condition of the essential organs 
of locomotion, will probably be sufficient to include whatever 
may be necessary to insure a ready comprehension of the 
other essential matters which are to follow, and facilitate a clear 
understanding of the requirements necessary to that perfection 
and regularity which characterize the natural performance of the 
various movements of the horse. 

So long as the bones muscles and tendons; the joints with 
their ligaments, cartilages and their synovial structure; the 
nerves and the controlling influences which they exercise over 
all, with the blood-vessels which distribute to every part the 
vitalizing fluid which sustains the whole in being and activity — 
so long as these various constituents and adjuncts of animal life 
preserve their physiological functions, locomotion will continue 
to be performed with perfection and efiiciency. Other points 
of pathological interest, relating to obstruction or misdirection 
and lack of balance in certain portions of the locomotory appara- 
tus, will receive due attention as we proceed with the illustration 
of our subject and examine the matters which it most concerns 

us to bring under consideration. 
4 



50 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



A, Pedal- or coffin-bone — 
third phalanx terminating . 
the foot. 

B, Extremity of navicular 
bone. 

C, Small or lower pastern 
bone— second phalanx. 

D, Large or upper pastern 
bone — first phalanx. 

E, Pyramidal process on 
coffin-bone, which gives in- 
sertion to the tendon of the 
front extensor of the foot, 
and which braces the joint 
by preventing the pastern 
from slipping too far forward. 

P, Basilar process of wing 
to which the lateral cartilage 
is attached. 

Fig. 3. side view of the phalanqial sections G, Irregular ridge above 
OF THE FOOT, SHOWING THE BONES OF THE DIGITAL the retrorsal process or pre- 

BEGION IN THEIR NORM A L RELATIONS TO EACH OTHEK. plantar fisSUre, through 

which passes the lateral 
laminal and preplantar un- 
gual arteries and their satel- 
lite nerves. 

The lower face of this bone is arched, and into its crest is 
fixed the insertion of the deep flexor of the foot. The articula- 
tions of these bones with each other, and with the lower extrem- 
ity of the cannon-bone, form the ankle and fetlock joints. The 
line throusrh their central axis defines the natural incidence of 
the weight in its descent from the body, and indicates that the 
natural inclination of the coflin-bone is in direct line with the 
pasterns. 




THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 



61 



A, Flexor perforatus (attached to lower pas- 
tern boue). 

B, Flexor perforans (inserted under cotfin- 
bone). 

C, Metacarpal or check ligament of the per- 
forans tendon. 

D, Suspensory ligament of the fetlock. 

E, Front extensor tendon (inserted into front 
of coffin-bone). 

F, Splint bono on outer side of the cannon. 

G, Branching of the suspensorj'. 
H, Branch of same passing forward to join 

the extensor tendon. 

I, J, K, Periosteum membrane covering the 
surfaces of the cannon and pastern bones. 

L, Fibrous reticulum covering the face of 
the coffin-bone and forming the recticular tissue 
leaves, or sensitive laminae, which dovetail into 
the horny leaves of the wall, completing the union 
of these regions. 




Fig. 4. external side view op left front 
limb, showing the articulations, tendons, 
and ligaments of the knee, fetlock and 

FOOT. 



52 



Scientific horseshoeing. 



A, Coffin-bone. 

B, Navicular-bone. 

C, Lower pastern-bone. 

D, Upper pastern-bone. 

E, Cannon-bone. 

P, Velvety tissue or sensitive sole. 
G, Horny wall. 
H, Horny sole. 

I, Horny frog. 

K, Plantar-cushion or sensitive sole 

Ii, Horny lamime. 

M, Sensitive lamina?. 

N, Front extensor tendon. 

O, Perforatus (superficial flexor). 

P, Perforans (deep flexor of the foot 
inserted under the coffin-bone. 

Q, Metacarpal ligament (joining the 
perforans tendons. 

R, Suspensory ligament of the fet- 
lock. 

S, Sesamoid-boue (dotted line). 

T, Branch of per- 
foratus tendon attached 
to lower pastern-bone. 




Fig. 5. median section of front digit, from base 
OF foot to head of cannon bone, showing arrange- 
ment of the articular and muscular apparatus. 



The dotted line through center of digital bones shows tlie 
line of action of weight from above to below, and marks the 
normal anfi:le of the foot. 



THE I'UOT OF THE HOKSE. 



53 




Fig. C. side view of the outside half of the right front foot with 

WALL OP THE hoof REMOVED, SHOWING NUMEROUS LEAVES OF THE SENSITIVE 
LAMINAL TISSUE. 

A, Median section of the hoof, continued through wall, sole and frog. 
B, Base of hoof on opposite side. C, The keratogenous membrane or sensi- 
tive laminae, covering the upper face of the pedal-hone, consisting of vascular 
leaves, designed to interlock ^vith the horny lamince on the inner face of the 
•wall of tlie hoof. D, The coronary-cushion, showing its continuance to the 
bulbs of the plautar-ttushion at the heel and the perioplic ring around its upper 
border 



To the great vascularity of these sensitive tissues is due the 
bright red color they show on the surface. They form in their 
connection with the plantar surface of the velvety tissue, the es- 
sential apparatus of touch and feeling in the foot. They arc, in 
addition, highly elastic and assist in the springy action so neces- 
tsary to the ease of the foot when exerted in speed or in the severe 
strains of drawing heavy loads. 



54 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




A, xsumerou8 leaves of the sensi- 
tive laminee (podophyllous tissue) 
formed by the reticulum covering the 
external face of the coffin-bone, and 
which interlock with the horrly 
leaves (keraphyllous tissue) of the 
surrounding wall. 

B, Coronary-cushion, the organ 
which develops the horny wall, and 
acts in reciprocal relation between it 
and the skin above, as an elastic 
medium *of connection. It also 
unites in the same manner with the 
vascular laminae, and is prolonged 
downward at the back, into the bulbs 
of the plantar-cushion and the villous 
tunic of the velvety tissue. 



Fig. 7. ntwN i vins <'i ihe jiorse's 

FOOT, SHOWING THE SUPEKFICIAL APPEAR- 
ANCE OF THE KERATOGENUL'S MEMBRANE, 
OR LAMINAL TISSUE, AFTER REMOVAL OF 
THE HOOF. 



The villi of the coronary-cushion and velvety tissue deter- 
mine the structure and naaintain the elasticity of the entire 
hoof. The laminal tissue has the property of throwing out a tem- 
porary horn, whether exposed by stripping ofl' the hoof or by 
the active changes of inflammation, but this must be replaced by 
that from the coronet when the foot returns to its normal condi- 
tion. 



fllE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 



55 



Fig. 8. internal structures of the region of 
the left fore-foot as seen from the outer side. 

A, Lateral cartilage of the coffin-bone. 

B, Reticulum, enveloping the coffin-bone, sus- 
taining the blood-vessels and laminal tissues of 
this region. 

C, Tendon of the front extensor of the foot to 
its insertion on eminence of coffin-bone. 

D, Terminal of the side extensor of the foot. 

E, Rear face of the sesamoid branch of the 
transverse ligament. 

P, Periosteum membrane, covering the surfaces 
of the cannon and pastern bones. 




These plates represent the arteries in red, the veins in blue, 
and the nerves in w^hite. Each of these systems maintains the 
most intimate relations with the others and meets in the extremi- 
ties in various forms of branches, collaterals, and ganglionic en- 
largements, remarkable alike for their large volume, intricate 
reticulation and extreme delicacy. 

The divisions shown in this plate are the digital and ungual 
arteries and veins of the plantar region, the veins of the coro- 
nary plexus, and the median circumflex artery of the foot to- 
gether with the digital branches of the median or cubic plantar 
nerve. 



56 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




B, Continuation of the fibrous reticulum, 
for the support of the vessels and leafy tissue on 
the coffin-bone. 

C, Tendon of the front extensor of the foot 
going on to the coffin-bone. 

E, Rear margin of sesamoid ligament. 

F, Periosteum of the cannon- and pastern- 
bones. 



Fig. 9. internal structures op the region op 

THE left fore FOOT, AS SEEN FROM THE INNER SIDE. 

The digital arteries and veins course almost immediately be- 
neath the skin. Descending from above the fetlock joint they 
follow the course of the flexor tendon and throw out innumerable 
twigs and divergant ramifications to supply the surfaces, as well 
as the deeper tissue substances of the foot. Those shown in this 
plate are the perpendicular artery, circumflex coronary, artery 
of the plantar cushion, preplantar ungual, venous network of the 
laminal tissue, coronary plexus, and the deep cartilaginous layer 
— all flanked by the plantar nerve, which interlaces them with 
numerous filaments. 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 



57 



Fig. 10. FRONT view of the foot region, 

SHOWING the arrangement OF THE INTER- 
NAL STRUCTURES. 

A, Front border of the lateral cartilage 
of the coffin-bone (the corresponding piece 
on the other side having been removed). 

B, Continuation of the reticulum, form- 
ing the membraneous net, which holds in its 
meshes the dependent vessels and laminal 
tissues on the coffin-bone. 

C, Tendon of the front extensor of the 
foot to its insertion in the coffin-bone. 

D, Terminal of the side extensor of the 
foot. 

F, Inner and outer borders of the can- 
non-bone. 




The external and collateral branches of the perpendicular 
artery and satellite veins and nerves are here shown by their an- 
terior branches, which concur in forming the articular branch of 
the phalanx, veiny plexus of the coronary crown circle, and net 
of the reticular tissue, accompanied by the vasa motor nerves 
belonging to the plantar system. 



58 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




A, Rear border of the lateral cartilage 
(the other being omitted). 

B, Pyramidal base or bulbs of the plan- 
tar cushion or sensitive frog, interposed be- 
tween the perforans tendon and the horny- 
hoof. 

C, Reinforcing phalangeal sheath cover- 
ing the perforans tendon and the suspen- 
sory ligament with a fibrous expansion and 
attaching itself to the larger part of the 
pastern-bones. 

D, Flexor perforans at its exit from 
between the two branches of the perforatus. 

E, Superficial bundle or ring of the 
sesamoid ligament. 

P, Flexor perforatus, giving oflf two 
branches toward the bottom, which become 
attached to the lower pastern-bone. 



Fig. 11. BACK OF THE FOOT KE- 
GION, SHOWING THE INTERN.^L AR- 
RANGEMENT OP THE PHALANGES. 



The arteries, veins and nerves are the posterior offshoots of 
the internal and external collaterals, furnishing this region same 
as previously referred to. 



THE FOOT OF THE HOKSE. 



59 




Fig. 12. plantar surface at losver face op the third or ungual 
phalanx of the foot, the pedal, or coffin-bone, upon which the digit is 

BASED 

This view represents the sole of the bone covered by the 
phintar reticulum and shows the origin of the preplantar ungual 
artery as it emerges at the retrossal process of the wings and 
loops into the semi-lunar anastomotic arch, communicating in 
the bone. The radiating branches from this arch and from the 
outer border correspond with the affluents of Figs. 13 and 14. 
The nerves shown are the descending posterior branches of the 
preplantar nerve, accompanying the digital artery on the retros- 
sal process, traversing the cartilages and laminal tissues, and 
terminating around the plantar ungual artery in the plantar 
lissure. 

The attachment of the deep flexor of the foot — the per- 
forans — is shown as covering the semi-lunar crest and the me- 
dian imprints of this bone; widening into a large expansion 
designated the plantar aponeurosis. This terminal expansion is 
covered by the plantar cushion which adheres to it most inti- 
mately. This muscle flexes the phalanges on one another, and 
it also concurs in flexing the entire foot on the fore-arm. 



dU 



bCliCATll'lC HOKSESHUKliN'a. 




A, Lower border of the lateral 
artilago of the cofRn-bono (the 

I art corresponding to this on the 
thcr side being detached for 
this illustration.) 

B, The proper tissue, or vil- 
lous tunic of the reticulum, 
which is correlated to the upi)er 
surface of the velvety tissue, 
Jind answers to the periosteum 
on the coffin-bone, which it en 
velopes like a villous sheath. 

C, The periphery of the re- 
ticular tissue, conspicuous for 
the divisions of arteries and ves- 
sels which it sustains and which 
prevail so largely throughout 

Fig. 13. the plantar reticulum or kera- the whole extent of the plantar 

TOGENOUS membrane COVERING THE LOWER FACE gnj.face 
OP THE COFFIN-BONE, AND SUSTAINING IN ITS 
-MESHES THE VEINS OF THE SOLAR PLEXUS. 



The venous apparatus of the digital region is remarkable 
for the number, distribution and interlaced disposition of the 
vessels composing it. They are extended over and molded 
on the two last phalanges of the foot, discharging themselves 
by numerous descending and ascending branches, converging in 
flexiform nets and arches, and communicating with each other, 
or traversing every element, by an intricate system of arte- 
rioles or venules, analogous to the capillary system. 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE; 



61 



A, Lower face of the 
velvety tissue, or sensi- 
tive sole immediately 
overlying the horny 
sole, which it secretes. 

B, Base, or bulbs of 
the plantar cushion, sep- 
arated by the depression 
or cleft (median lacuna), 
on the inside of which 
the spur or stay of the 
horny frog reaches. 

C, Return of the bars 
to their junction with 
the wall. 

D, Arch, or spring of 
the bars, formed by their 
angle of inflection at the 
heels, also showing the 
laminal leaves covering 
them. 




Fig. 14. the lower face of the horse' 
after removal of the horny hoof. 



The arteries forming the plexus or network furnishing this 
region of the . foot are similar to those shown on the other 
plates, and like them proceed from the parent trunk, descending 
on the side of the digit, terminating in the plantar ungual 
branch from which the inferior communicating arteries pass 
through the foramina just above the edge of the coffin-bone, 
branching closely over the laminal tissue and uniting below to 
form the large circumflex, or peripheral artery, which runs 
around the toe. They also help to form the inferior circumflex 
artery and finally join the coronary plexus — collectively form- 
ing the circulatory apparatus of the entire digital region. 



62 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 15. a perfect hoof, removed from tife foot, showing a lateral pos- 
terior VIEW OF a sound natural AND HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF WALL — HORNY 
LAMINA — CORONARY CHAMBER— SOLE, FROG-STAY, FISSURES AND BARS. 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 63 

BRIEF OUTLINE OF ANATOMY OF THE FOOT. 

Adapted from the Suhject-inatter of thix Chapter. 

It should be studied by all who wish to get a brief, con- 
nected view of the principal parts and practical workings of the 
locomotory apparatus of the horse. 

Q, 1. What constitutes the apparatus of locomotion ? 

A. The bones and muscles co-operating with the vital or- 
ganism. 

Q. 2. What does the " foot " or " digital region " imply ? 

A. It includes the ankle from the fetlock down, comprised 
in a single hoof. 

Q. 3. What bones enter into its formation? 

A. The lower end of the cannon, the two sesamoids, upper 
and lower pasterns ; navicular and coffin-bones form the skele- 
ton on which the other structures are built. 

Q. 4. How do these co-operate ? 

A. They concur to form joints, which provide for the nec- 
essary motion. (For details, see Figs. 3 to 5.) 

Q. 5. Name the joints of the foot or digit. 

A. There are three of them — the fetlock, pastern, and coffin 
joints, made by the union of two or more bones moving one 
upon the other. 

Q. 6. What completes the jointed processes ? 

A. They are held together by ligaments, and are lubricated 
by the synovial fluid secreted by the inclosing membrane. 

Q. 7. What further of their work? 

A. That they are of special importance to the value of the 
animal, and are the parts most subject to impairment from in- 
jury or disease. 

Q. 8. What muscles co-operate in the foot action ? 

A. The two principal muscles that flex or bend the foot are 



64 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

the perforatus and perforans, and one principal muscle, the front 
extensor, straightens or thrusts the foot forward. (See Figs. 
4 and 5.) 

Q. 9. AVhat is the significance of their positions and inser- 
tions ? 

A. Knowing the action of the bones to be straightforward 
and back, we know that the muscles must act on the same line. 

Q. 10. What duty do the navicular and small sesamoids per- 
form ? 

A. Thej act as pulleys (and supports annexed to the joints) 
in facilitating the gliding movements of the muscles which pass 
over them. 

Q. 11. What do we understand by the "soft tissues" of the 
foot? 

A. They comprise various organs of cartilage, fibrous or 
elastic tissues for the development of other tissues, and for easing 
concussion on the hard organs. 

Q. 12. What are the principal apparatuses thus referred to ? 

A. The lateral cartilages, the coronary and plantar cushions. 

Q. 13. What further do we know concerning them? 

A. The cartilages are pads at the sides of the foot, the 
coronary cushion secretes the horny wall, and the plantar cush- 
ion acts as a support to the back tendons. 

Q. 14. What are the " sensitive tissues " ? 

A. The laminal or leafy tissue and the velvety tissue, 
which are continuous with the membrane covering the entire 
foot. 

Q. 15. What is the function of the laminae ? 

A. They form the connection between the internal foot and 
the encasing hoof, by dovetailing into the horny leaves on the 
wall, and thus support the action of the two parts. 

Q. 16. What of the velvety tissue ? 

A. This is the covering of the sole of the coffin-bone, the 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 65 

sensitive sole of the foot, and secretes the outer horny sole and 
frog. 

Q. 17. What relation does the hoof sustain to the foot? 

A. It serves as the outer covering or case, and protects the 
internal parts from external violence. 

Q. 18. What is scientific horseshoing? 

A. It is a noble artificial skill of man working in conjunc- 
tion with nature, to keep the foot in its natural formation. The 
shoe is to protect the foot from external injuries. 

Q. 19. How many acts are there to be performed before the 
foot is properly shod. 

A. There are three acts required : First, to remove all the 
surplus growth, and properly shape the foot to its natural form 
and size. Second, to select a bar of iron or steel, make and fit 
a shoe of suitable weight for which the foot and ]eg requires, 
and the work the horse has to perform and fit properly to the 
foot. Third, to nail the shoe to the foot. 

Each of these operations must work in entire harmony with 

the rest, otherwise one would undo the others. Thus, the shoe 

must be properly adjusted and accurately driven on the foot, or 

the utility of the preceding acts would be destroyed or crippled. 

5 



6G SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER IV. 
PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING 

METHODS OP SCIENCE, ART, AND COMMON SENSE. 

Necessity of Shoeing. — Since the employment of the 
horse in many pursuits renders it necessary that an artificial pro- 
tection be employed to preserve his feet from injurious wear, it 
becomes a consideration of the first importance to know the 
proper method of doing this without seriously interfering with 
or destroying the functions of the foot, and so as in the least, 
to constrain its natural gestures while employing its fullest 
powers. 

The efiects of applying an iron defense to the horse's foot 
and securing it to the hoof with nails, are no doubt a source of 
injury to that organ, and even with the best of care a few of 
them are unavoidable ; but they are increased in number and 
heightened in intensity, when the shoe is badly constructed and 
attached, whereas a right understanding of the subject will 
teach that those evils which are unavoidable may at least be 
greatly mitigated. 

There are some points on the question of shoeing notori- 
ously at issue between writers and shoers, theorists, and prac- 
titioners, so that hardly any agreement can be found to exist 
even on essential principles, and this diversity of opinion will 
probably continue until the known human artifices shall have 
been superseded by unknown or natural agencies. 

All agree, however, that some artificial shield to the horse's 
foot is necessary, for employed as he is, his hoofs are unable to 
withstand the severe demands imposed upon them : the wear 
more than exceeds the growth. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 69 

Again, all unite in the belief that nothing more simple, in- 
expensive and efficient than a well-devised iron or steel shoe 
can at present be produced to meet the exigencies of the case, 
nor can the safe and ready method of attaching it by nails be 
displaced by any other means that we are acquainted with. 

Having to deal with the facts as we find them, therefore, let 
us turn to a consideration of the best means which lie in our 
power of reducing, as much as possible, the evils so frequently 
attendant upon the practice of shoeing as commonly pursued. 

Past and Present. — Bad and indifferent shoeing are pro- 
ductive of but one result — serious injury to the animals shod — and 
rendering them more or less unfit for active service. It is the 
exercise of a higher knowledge and its scientific application 
that constitutes the true "art, trade and mystery" of farriery, 
as exemplified in the best practice of to-day; in which science, 
as well as art and common sense, are operating to supplant the 
irrational, time-honored customs (which were once a portion of 
the blacksmith's creed), and are now gradually raising the science 
of horshoeing above the baneful influences of ignorance and 
traditional routine, to that position which its practical import- 
ance as a great national economic question justly entitles it. 

When it is thus conceded that some of the operations and 
practices of the art have been materially altered and improved 
upon, it is none the less true that the ordinary system of horse- 
shoeing, as it obtains in average hands, has not kept pace with 
the advancement noted. In too many instances it is observable 
that the art of the farrier is at variance with the workings of 
nature, and what satisfies the one outrages the demands of the 
other. The result is strikingly conspicuous in the number of 
lame, maimed, diseased or disabled horses, involving a direct 
loss of valuable property, as well as much needless suffering in 
the noblest of our dumb animals. And to misapplied shoeing, 



70 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

a very large proportion of tkese evils is, beyond all doubt, di- 
rectly or indirectly traceable. 

Important to Horsemen. — The shoeing of horses is a work 
practically belonging to the smith, but as gentlemen and others 
who are owners of horses ought to know and be able to distinguish, 
at least in some degree, when it is ill or well done, it would seem 
an unnecessary precaution to recommend a matter of such per- 
sonal interest to their attention. It is really surprising to learn, 
however, how indiflerent or neglectful of the well-being of their 
horses* feet and legs so many owners and drivers are. The foot 
is undoubtedly the most important part of the animal, so far as- 
his ultimate usefulness is concerned. And the afiair of shoeing- 
is so important in its consequences, both for the preservation of 
the foot, the safety of the legs, and the ease and comfort of 
their motion that horsemen and proprietors can not be too at- 
tentive to practical recommendations on the subject. For it 
must be borne in mind that among horseshoers there is as great 
diversity of opinion in regard to the performance of their work 
as there possibly can be in any other trade or calling, and theo- 
retical speculations upon this subject have done but little for 
the farrier or the horse. I am convinced that many of these 
difterences would disappear, together with most of the ailments 
and afflictions to which horses are liable under existing condi- 
tions, if a better knowledge of the natural formation of the foot 
and of the relative value and office of its various parts, per- 
vaded the great body of owners and trainers as a whole, than 
now exists. These troubles are caused, speaking generally, by 
the horse being out of balance on his feet, and, in justice to the 
much abused horseshoer, be it noted, they are quite as often due 
to erroneous ideas and " pet theories " of would-be horsemen 
being foisted into the workshop, as from any lack of ability or 
ingenuity on the part of the farrier. 

In veterinary surgery, too, as an effective remedial or cura- 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 71 

tive agent, for so many of the injuries and diseases afiecting the 
health and soundness of the horse, scientific shoeing should 
occupy a foremost place ; yet it is a matter of deep regret that 
among this class of practitioners are many men who have neg- 
lected to properly study this most important branch of their 
profession, or, having acquired only an imperfect conception of it 
through books, are unable to direct it with necessary discretion 
to any salutary efiect ; or, as has so frequently come within the 
trend of my experience, altogether pervert it, to the continued 
detriment of the patient and of the business interests involved 
as well. The moral of this is obvious. No humbug use of iron, 
nor theoretical experiments with it on the one side, nor blind 
groping in the dark on the other, will ever solve the " problems 
of farriery," simple and easy as they really are, but made 
difficult contentions in the hands of quacks and ignorant 
practitioners. 

Essential knowledge. — To rescue the practice from such 
hands is the work of that higher knowledge to which I have 
already referred, and it is the application of such general facts 
of veterinary anatomy as explain the construction and functions 
of the foot, to the practical business of shoeing that will most 
largely contribute to this end. How, otherwise, can the smith 
he expected to understand the normal size, shape and structure 
of the foot upon which he operates, or how know the correct 
principles of shoeing and balancing a horse on his feet? 

When a horse is at the shoeing forge " it is a condition, not 
a theory," that confronts the smith, and there is no longer room 
for doubt, and unless he knows, with positive certainty, just how 
to preserve or obtain the proper balances and bearings of the 
foot he is utterly incapacitated to take charge of it. Science 
and art are combined in skillful shoeing. A knowledge of the 
structure and normal functions of every part of the foot, as well 
as of the legs from the knee and hock down, though not necea- 



72 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

sarily in their ultimate scientific minutiae, are as necessary to 
make a perfect shoer as is the mechanical skill to make a perfect 
shoe. 

Condensed Anatomy. — Fully appreciating the importance 
of these suggestions and knowing that an accumulation of detail 
often deters the average reader and thus defeats the design of 
the writer, a concise review of the general anatomy of the horse's 
foot will be introduced here, containing only the briefest hint 
of the essential organs of locomotion, which may serve as a 
convenient reference chart to the general features of the subject 
under discussion. 

Speaking first of the external structure of the foot alone, 
the parts with which the farrier has to deal, are the wall, sole, 
bars and frog, all well enough known by name, but less familiar 
in their relations with other parts and the mode of their co- 
operation. 

The hoof is composed of horny, hair-like fibers, closely matted 
together and forms the natural protection of the sensitive foot. 

The wall is that part of the hoof visible when the foot rests 
naturally on the ground, and is the main factor in bearing tlie 
horse's weight. 

The bars are a continuation of the wall forming the angles 
at the heel, and assist in the lateral expansion and oppose con- 
traction of the heels and quarters. 

The sole is contained Avithin the lower margin of the wall, 
and is a concaved plate of flexible horn covering the ground sur- 
face of the foot. 

The frog forms the back part of the sole between the bars, 
and is the natural bufler of the foot for the prevention of injury 
and jar to the limb. 

The wall grows indefinitely, but the sole and frog naturally 
throw off" flakes or scales when they have grown to a certain 
thickness and are essential in their entirety for the maintenance 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 73 

of the foot in health and its protection from injury. The hoof 
incloses the coffin-bone, which is the terminal bone of the leg. 
To this bone are attached the principal tendons that bend 
and thrust the foot forward, and to it also grow the tough but 
tender, leafy tissues which dovetail into horny ridges on the 
wall ; these attachments being technically called the sensitive 
and insensitive laminaa. These leafv tissues working tosrether, 
carry the stress of weight with an elastic movement, their vari- 
ation, under pressure and without, being found to be about one 
quarter of an inch. The result is a wonderful elastic spring be- 
tween the end of the leg and the external hoof, and this with 
the springy action of the coronary and frog cushions and lateral 
cartilages, acting together with the expansion of the arched 
bars — all being compressible under pressure — is the wise provi- 
sion of nature to ward off and minimize the concussion on a 
horse's foot in motion. 

The Center of Gravity. — Having reached this point, let 
us observe the going as well as the external and internal struct- 
ure of a horse's foot. The horse then who draws presses first 
on the toe, then successively on the sides to ease the toe, then 
upon the heel, from which it immediately rises again. Trot- 
ting and running horses press the toe relatively lighter, landing 
first upon the heel, but in either case the efibrt of the weight 
of the horses fixes the real point of support neither upon the 
heel or toe, but on the middle or ball of the foot — between 
both, where is located the center of gravity, which is easy to 
demonstrate anatomically : thus, the cannon-bone presses on the 
head of the upper pastern, this on the lower pastern, this again 
on the navicular and coffin-bones, the center from where it is 
projected upon the ground bearings of the hoof without. In a 
sound and healthy organization, the succession of rapid move- 
ments of the living animal, adducts or shifts the center of grav- 
ity toward and through the median line or center of the heads 



74 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



of the coffin-, pastern-, and fetlock joints, in a smooth, even, 
and equally-balanced movement, and the function of locomotion 
is performed with perfect and efficient activity. But let any 
change or irregularity, however slight or obscure, occur among 
the elements of the case, whether in the relations of co-opera- 
ting parts, or of form, dimension and location of foot bearings, 
whereby certain parts of a limb are forced to accept the portion 
of the weight which belongs to others ; in short, whatever tends 
to defeat the purpose of nature in organizing the locomotory 
apparatus by interfering with or misdirecting its normal move- 
ment will ultimately result in that loss of harmony and lack of 
balance betrayed by disabled functions and testified by lameness. 



Emphasizing the Facts. — In thus digressing it is only to 
establish certain primary facts relating to the main subject, in 
the hope of drawing attention to the necessity of every horse- 
man and farrier clearly comprehending this branch of it be- 
fore entering upon its sequel — the preparation of the foot for 
the shoe — in order to prove that without it as a foundation 
upon which to rest the whole modus operandi, and as a final 
resource to fall back upon in all cases where accurate judgment 
is required, there can be no permanently favorable results 
secured from any treatment instituted, howsoever skillful or 
experienced the operator may otherwise be. The value of 
appreciating this and of knowing the natural formation of the 
foot, is, practically to know when the foot is losing that natural 
form, so that it may be shaped and shod to assist nature in re- 
storing it. How, then, shall we shoe a horse to preserve intact 
the normal conditions of the feet and legs, so as to afford them 
the necessary protection in the performance of their varied func- 
tions under the most exacting conditions which civilization can 
impose, enabling all to act together in perfect harmony and 
with absolute efficiency? 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 7o 

Variation of Feet. — From the natural form of the hoof we 
perceive that it descends obliquely outward, whereby it becomes 
considerably broader at its basis than at the coronet ; it also de- 
clines in height toward the heel, and this change of contour, 
together with the changes of growth, afiects its size and the degree 
of obliquity in its various parts. Too much importance can not 
possibly be attached by the workman to this variation, for it is of 
the first importance to discriminate accurately and determine pos- 
itively the normal and abnormal positions of the limb. It fre- 
quently becomes exceedingly difficult to do this, owing to the 
close similarity between the natural and unnatural positions exist- 
ing in horses of difi'erent breeds, and to do it satisfactorily will 
often require the exercise of the closest scrutiny and draw upon 
all the resources of experience, sound judgment, and anatomical 
knowledge. Horses' feet are alike in their anatomical combina- 
tion, but they differ in conformation, condition, and size, and 
what will suffice to level and balance one horse will have no 
satisfactory effect on others. 

The Angle of Incidence. — But in a majority of cases the 
solution of this first problem relating to the correct fall of the 
angle of incidence may be easily obtained by carefully observing 
the outlines of the pasterns, and closely noting the motion of 
the whole extremity and especially of the joints. Sometimes 
the overgrowth in length of toe or heel is too distinctly evi- 
dent to admit of error, but in every instance the shoer must not 
fail to make the foot the subject of a thorough and intelligent 
examination, for upon his decision as to its natural position and 
the succeeding step, namely, leveling the ground surface of the 
hoof so that its angle will conform exactly to the inclination of 
the pasterns, is where the art of farriery comes in. 

What Rule to go by. — It would be misleading to lay 
down any arbitrary degree of obliquity, as it naturally varies 



76 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

more or less in almost every individual horse, short pastern 
horses standing at a greater angle than those with long pasterns, 
and hind feet more than the fore ; hence, the natural bias of the 
superimposed structures is the only safe guide to follow. 

How to get on in the Work. — As the slightest departure 
from exactitude here renders whatever amount of care that may 
be devoted to the completion of the work worse than useless, and 
as every one knows that accurate leveling can not be done by 
the unaided eye, mechanical means must be resorted to for the 
purpose, and a scientific leveler and compass should therefor 
form part of every farrier's outfit. 

Farriers' Tools. — All the world over, the simplicity and 
fewness of farriers' tools, have from the beginning, marked the 
slow progress of his invaluable art. The buttress, the knife, the 
clinch cutter, the hammer and the pinchers have comprised his 
"kit" of tools, and these as a general thing of rude or inferior 
construction ; latterly, however, they are of better design and 
material, and more eftective in use. But now, to be up with the 
spirit of the times, the shoeing smith needs more scientific tools 
for expert workmanship in leveling and adjusting the angles of 
the foot, to secure that precision and perfection imperatively de- 
manded, and to supply this long felt want I am performing a 
duty which needs no other words of explanation in referring my 
readers to the " Russell Foot Adjuster," a description of which 
is inserted here with directions and illustrations for its practical 
use, as a preliminary guide to the subject proper, and which 
will follow after in due order of place and connection. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 77 

RUSSELL'S SCIENTIFIC FOOT ADJUSTER. 

HOW TO USE IT IN ACCURATELY LEVELING ANU BALANCING THE FOOT WHEN 
PREPARING IT FOR THE SHOE. 

This device is very simple and effective, consisting of a flat 
metallic rim or bed-plate, similar in form to an ordinary horse- 
shoe, to which is pivoted at the center of toe a movable quad- 
rant (the quarter of a circle), the arc of which is graduated or 
divided into 90 degrees, from the horizontal plane to the right 
angle of the segment above, and which is operated by means of 
a lever, working the sweep of the quadrant forward and back. 

A stationary indicator is also fixed perpendicularly to the 
toe of bed-plate, and this registers the angles of the foot upon 
the surface of the quadrant when the lever is brought forward 
against the wall of the hoof. The lever is also marked to a scale 
of inches and fractional parts, so that the height or depth of 
wall is obtained at the same time with its degree of obliquity. 

The Adjuster Applied. — This arrangement is best shown by 
the accompanying illustrations of the adjuster in position for use. 

Fig. 16. H, 11, upper surface of the bed plate of the ad- 
juster (with quadrant projecting in front). 

Fig. 17. Side view of foot with adjuster applied to toe. 

A, A, rim of bed plate pressed firmly against bottom of hoof. 

B, B, lever for moving the quadrant and measuring height of 
wall. C, stationary indicator registering the angular face of the 
wall. D, arc of the quadrant inscribed with degrees as shown. 

Fig. 18. Front of foot with adjuster abreast of the quarter. 

Fig. 19. Adjuster registering the angle of quarter as seen 
from the back of foot. 

Fig. 20. Leveling-plate to be used in connection with foot 
adjuster. 

Other Mechanical Aids. — Fig. 21. Compass for spanning 
and ascertaining the exact height of the wall at different points, 
necessary in leveling and equalizing same. 



78 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

In addition to these instruments every farrier should be pro- 
vided with a metal rule having a scale of about 6 inches, and 
also a short narrow tape line (18 to 24 inches long) ; the special 
uses of which will be made apparent in the explanations to 
follow. 

Method of Procedure. — Fig. 22 shows the uplifted foot in 
proper position for handling and examining it while applying 
the adjuster and testing the angles at diflerent parts, as well as 
afterward, when viewing its levels and proving its balances. 

With the foot in this suspended position, we begin the oper- 
ation of scientifically leveling and balancing it, by starting a 
line through center of frog-cleft and carrying it forward over 
the point to center of toe at base of hoof, dividing the foot from 
front to back in two equal halves. See Fig. 23, line A, B, B. 

Mark the point at base of toe (with chalk), then, with a tape 
line, measure the circuit of the hoof round the top border at 
coronet (just below the hair), and starting again at frog-cleft, as 
the center of operations, measure half way round the coronet 
from both inner and outer sides, and mark point of meeting at 
top of wall in front, then draw line from point at base to point 
at top, and you will have the center or median plane of foot and 
leg as shown by line H, H, in Fig. 18. 

ISTow, with the foot still in hand, take up the adjuster and 
press the bed-plate firmly against the bottom of the foot and 
turn the lever down until it rests upon the front toe of wall, as 
shown in Fig. 17, and observe whether or no the angle of the 
toe corresponds with the normal slope of the pastern, also if the 
wall lines up with the straight edge of the lever, evenly and 
truly from base to coronet. The first consideration is that the 
obliquity or angle of the toe should be the same as that of the 
ankle above, and the second is that any abnormal growth or 
variation in length, convexity, or concavity, should be reduced 
to a normal or healthy form, according to the principles subse- 



PEACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 79 

quently laid down for that purpose ; and by this process of ad- 
justment every shoer ought to succeed in obtaining a clew to 
the solution of the first problem in farriery, namely, how to 
secure and preserve a perfect level and balance in the foot. 

Next, measure otf about 1| or 2 inches on each side of front 
toe at base of hoof and mark same, then draw a line from each 
of these points to connect with the top of line in middle, to in- 
dicate the bearings of the inner and outer sides of toe, as shown 
in Fig. 18, lines E, E. 

After properly noting the foregoing, we may, from thence, the 
more easily reach our conclusions touching the other parts of the 
hoof to which the same proceeding applies, that is, in the use 
of the adjuster on both inner and outer quarters, carefully ob- 
serving the angle of each and the line of the wall that one side 
may be made uniform with the other side in height and degree 
of obliquity. 

Next, let the foot down to stand naturally on the leveling 
plate. Fig. 20, and view it from all sides, to properly gauge and 
determine its best natural position ; then, with the compass. Fig. 
21, divide the space between the line E and the heel of hoof 
into two equal parts, and mark the points at base and at coronet 
and draw a line to connect same as shown by letter F, Fig. 17. 
This is to be done on both sides of quarters, and then, in the 
same way on both sides of the heel as shown by letters A, B, 
Fig. 19. 

These lines are next to be accurately measured with com- 
pass from coronet to base of hoof, or to face of leveling plate 
on which it rests, and the two opposite lines at inner and outer 
sides of toe, quarters and heels, made to compare and agree by 
marking any inequality existing and paring the hoof level round 
the circuit of the wall as directed in a succeeding page and as 
shown in Fig. 23. 

This is always to be done with reference to the normal 
slope of the pasterns and to having the front line of hoof incline 



80 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

on the same angle with them, which can be easily verified at 
any stage of the work by the use of the adjuster, with or with- 
out the assistance of the leveling plate. 

When this is done with one foot, the same method of pro- 
cedure with each of the other feet will enable the smith to bring 
them into precisely the same good form ; his work will also be 
done on true scientific principles beyond the criticism of his 
most exacting patron, and must prove a boon to horseflesh 
generally. 

It will, of course, be observed, that the quarters are 
straighter or more upright than the toe (compare Figs. 17 and 
18), and that the degree of obliquity varies in almost every 
horse, ranging from 45 to 56 on front toe of fore feet, and per- 
haps a little more for the hind feet. 

But the main points to be impressed here are, that the 
natural slope of the pasterns is the only safe guide to be followed 
in all cases, and that the two fore feet of the same animal should 
always be alike, and the two hind feet alike, whatever difference 
may exist between them otherwise. In this way the horse will be 
enabled to tread upon feet of the same relative form in the same 
relative way, an advantage to their working in perfect harmony 
over irregular growths and dressings that is simply beyond our 
power to estimate. 

The center line through the leg and middle of heel and 
toe, as shown in each of these figures, represents the exact axis 
of all normal leg and foot movements. The weight is precipi- 
tated in a direct line downward through the center of the bones 
and joints until it reaches the fetlock, where it is thrown for- 
ward on the angle of incidence formed by the pasterns and 
coflin-bone, represented in Fig. 17 by letters G, G. In a well- 
balanced horse, each foot and each part of a foot, combine to 
perform an equal and uniform function, and to carry an even or 
equal portion of weight distributed in the natural way. But 
any unevenness or irregularity of the base of the hoof, which 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 81 

is the final point of application, will displace the physical bal- 
ance, and a single alteration in the proper balancing of the body 
will result in a complication of foot disorders which may bafile 
the best skill to remedy, and leave our burden-bearing servants 
to succumb to their inevitable fate. Hence the benefits to be 
derived from the use of these instruments will be apparent to 
all practical shoers. Instruments of similar intent and purpose 
are used by mechanics in every trade, even when not dealing 
with vital, living structures, as is the case in this pursuit, where 
any deviation from absolute accuracy causes suffering and un- 
relieved distress. 

Different kinds of Feet. — I have previously indicated that 
a horse's hoofs may, by variation of growth or usage, be either 
perfect or imperfect, and these last may also be rugged, long, 
crooked or flat, and the frogs may be broad or the heels narrow, 
and I have pointed out the necessity of paying due regard to 
each of these conditions in determining the natural form and 
size of the particular kind of foot being dealt with, also to the 
employment of all the farrier's care and address in bringing it 
to its best form, as there are many apparently trifling circum- 
stances which have much to do with the conditions of orderly 
soundness and efficient activity which are too often overlooked. 

The Natural Model. — If we examine the natural healthy 

feet of many horses, we will find that their essential shape is 

the same. Some may have grown more luxuriantly than others, 

it is true, whereby the crust will be deeper, or the bottom part 

may be worn arid battered, giving the hoof an uneven, ragged 

appearance ; but when this superfluous or broken horn has been 

removed, it will be found that the bottom of the foot is nearly 

circular, the sole concave, the frog broad, the bars distinct, the 

commissures deep and the heels expanded. Surely no one will 

dispute that this form, which the Creator has given, is the most 
6 



82 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

perfect and far better adapted to all purposes than any that can 
be given by the most ingenious farrier 

Rational Shoeing. — When, therefore, we undertake to 
get a horse's foot into condition, this rule may be invariably de- 
pended upon, that any mode of shoeing and treating the foot 
which has a tendency to alter the form or design of nature is 
highly absurd and destructive, while that practice which best 
tends to the conservation of its natural uses is alone founded 
upon sound and rational principles. 

Fig. 23 shows a natural, healthy hoof properly prepared for 
the shoe, and clearly indicates the only parts which should be 
reduced when a foot is being made ready. 

Fig. 24 shows the upper surface of the same hoof with 
longitudinal and tranverse lines, indicating the proper balance of 
a level foot and the normal center of gravity at intersecting 
point. 

Fundamental Principles. — It may be accepted as a guid- 
ing principle that in a natural healthy foot, the outside rim of 
the horny wall and that small portion of the sole immediately 
attached to it on which the shoe is to rest, are the only portions 
of the foot to be interfered with in preparing the foot for the 
shoe, and, whenever possible, the necessary trimming ought to 
be eflected by means of the rasp. Conditional exceptions to 
this general rule are, of course, to be fully noted in my observa- 
tions hereafter, on shoeing different kinds of horses, and in the 
treatment of diseases. Natural physical conditions are alone 
treated of in this section. 

The feet must be placed upon the same plane and in pro- 
portion to the skill displayed in this alignment, will danger of 
injury be avoided, as the smallest deviation from a perfectly 
level bearing entails disastrous consequences, not only on the 
foot but on the entire limb. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 83 

Securing the Levels. — In the foot itself, when the weight 
is borne unevenly, the lowest part receives an undue share : the 
pressure retards the growth and free play of the parts, and the 
foot in consequence, becomes, weakened distorted and deformed. 
In the limb, deflected as it is by an uneven basis, from the 
ground surface to its union with the trunk, the incidence of the 
weight is imposed unequally, and bones and tendons mutually 
sufier from the strain. 

The wall, then, must be perfectly level, that is, no more is 
to be taken from one side than from the other, and this is deter- 
mined by exact measurements with compass at opposite points 
all around the hoof, indicated by the lines in Fig. 23, from cor- 
onet to ground surface, and having same agree. Details are 
fully given in connection with the use of the foot adjuster, for 
which see Fig. 17. 

Maintaining the Balance. — Also the foot must be bal- 
anced, or in other words, from a line drawn through the longer 
axis of the frog the measurements to opposite points should be 
the same on both sides of the hoof; this means simply that a 
lonofitudinal line through the center of the frog, must at all 
points, be the center of the foot or divide it in exact halves, as 
in this way only will the force of the foot-fall be carried through 
the center of the column of bones and be equally and naturally 
distributed upon the supporting apparatus of bones and ten- 
dons and the weight-bearing portions of the hoof. The active 
principle of this indispensable arrangement is best illustrated in 
Figs. 25 and 26, and is explained with the use of instruments 
in Fig. 17. 

Preparing the Hoof. — In thus leveling and balancing the 
foot, my practice is to remove only such portions of the sole as 
nature is about to cast off, that is, those portions which are ex- 



84 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

foliating and destitute of the natural moisture and flexibility 
that exist in a healthy growth, and then to reduce the wall to a 
level with the untouched, healthy or sound sole. I aim to have 
every part of the wall, from the angle of the heels to the toe, 
receive a good, broad, equal bearing on the shoe, unless there is 
some special reason for doing otherwise. . With some feet, hav- 
ing a strong healthy growth, this means a great deal of cutting 
(especially if shoes have been w^orn, and w^orn a long time) ; then, 
again, there are feet which require very little reduction, hence, 
the work must be done wHth constant and intelligent reference 
to the inclination of the pasterns as already prescribed. Some- 
times the hoof will grow all to toe, and again the growth at the 
heel will be more marked, or the foot may be run over by hav- 
ing one side too high or the toe w^orn ofi' excessively. To rectify 
this, and to better its adjustment a good plan is to look at the 
old shoe to see where it has worn most and be partly guided by 
that. The point is to remove so much of the wall as w^ould be 
a surplus growth, or so much only as will bring it back to its 
natural form and adjustment. And this after all must depend 
upon the judgment, expertness, and ingenuity of the farrier, who 
should, however, never lose sight of the fact that if the heels are 
allowed to grow too high, an excessive strain is thrown upon the 
bones, while if the toes are too long the tendons suffer in like 
manner. The sharp lower rim of the wall should be rounded- 
off justa little to prevent splinters, and of course all stubs or 
nails should be removed. 

Opening up the Heels. — The junction of the wall with 
the bars afibrds a firm natural bearing for the heel of the shoe, 
and is to be rasped level with the wall and so low as to be ex- 
actly even w^ith the frog, but the so-called process of "opening 
up the heels " by removing the bars, is a most disastrous practice, 
to be strictly avoided. The bars are the lateral braces and bind- 
ers of the foot, and the arch which they form on either side 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 85 

admirably fits them to admit and limit, to a proper extent, the 
expansion of the foot, as well as to powerfully oppose any dis- 
position there may he in the hoof to contract, by assisting the 
heels in retaining their natural form. 

Indefensible Practices. — There may be differences of opin- 
ion among authorities as to minor details in shoeing, but there 
is one practice not open to argument, and which all alike se- 
verely condemn, and that is the utterly senseless and atrocious 
custom so characteristic of the common every-day horseshoer, 
■of thinning out the sole and trimming or mutilating the frog. 
'No man has ever been able to assign a reason for acting contrary 
to the first principles of his own work by destroying that which 
he is aiming to preserve, and yet this has been and is the most 
frequent procedure of so-called farriers in their treatment of the 
frog and sole. They persist, with an obstinacy which sets com- 
mon sense at defiance, in paring and hollowing out the sole even 
to the quick, and to forming an exact "fine frog," regardless of 
consequences, though these are of the most serious nature and 
aft'ect the vital integrity of the living animal. 

Thinning out the Sole. — From the connection, thickness 
and flexibility of the horny sole, as well as from its arch-like 
external contour, it is wholly destined by nature to serve as a 
cushion to the sensitive sole (velvety tissue) which rests upon it. 
By hollowing away the sole in paring, it dries and shrinks by 
exposure ; the horse loses his natural defense against violent 
shocks of a pavement, or any kind of external violence, and 
thus the sensitive sole becomes easily inflamed by being bruised 
or wounded (disease called villitis). 

Trimming the Frog. — The horny frog is also designed for 
contact with the ground for the prevention of jar and injury to 
the limb, and the presence of this thick, elastic, compressible 



86 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

mass of horn in a healthy unmutilated condition, permitted to 
reach the ground (while the animal is moving, at least), is abso- 
lutely essential to the well-being of the foot, the more especially 
if high speed is desired. The frog is nature's cushion and hoof 
expander (in connection with the bars), and to alter this state is 
fatal to its usefulness, for such act causes it to shrink, dry and 
harden, when, both as a cushion and expander it is a dead flat 
failure. The frog is also the main support to the plantar cush- 
ion, which in turn supports the back tendons, so that without 
its natural pressure the tendons soon become jaded, inflamed and 
swollen, and it is thus a main factor of safety in traveling or 
riding. 

jS^either the frog or sole ever become too large or thick by 
natural growth or usage, for they scale or cast ofi' flakes as they 
pass beyond the life maintaining stage of the producing tissues, 
and a certain degree of exposure is required for their vitality 
and resiliency. In cases of existing disease, where resort to the 
drawing-knife may be required to relieve or assist the aflected 
parts, I plainly treat of such in the subsequent pages ; but in 
normal conditions the sole and frog should, on no pretext what- 
ever, be disturbed by the shoer. 

Weight of the Shoe. — Two things must be strenuously in- 
sisted on for the shoe ; one is, that the shoe be as light as possible, 
and the other is, that it be made or moulded on its foot-bearing 
surface to an exact counterpart of the hoof to which it is ap- 
plied. Bearing in mind that the original and legitimate design 
of the shoe is for the preservation and defense of the hoof from 
undue wear, we should not misconcieve this purpose by attaching 
to our horses' feet anj^ uncalled-for weight. Light shoes pro- 
portioned to the weight of the animal and the nature of his 
work, are infinitely preferable to heavy ones, for these latter are 
a burden at best and a constant tax on the energies of a horse, 
as is meaningly implied by the familiar saying " that an ounce 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 87 

at the toe means a pound at the withers." It is not surprising 
to those conversant with the facts that the majority of our horses 
are at the decadence of their powers when they should be at 
their prime, and a prohfic source of such disability is the habit- 
ual necessity of pounding along on hard roads, with over- 
weighted, iron-clad feet, ensuing from the conventional mode of 
shoeing. 

Calculating that a horse going a fair trot lifts his feet all 
round sixty times a minute, and this with shoes weighing two 
pounds each, the reader will be able to realize how enormous the 
amount is that can be unnecessarily raised to the wear and tear 
of the living members. 

As an example, suppose a horse shod with shoes weighing 
two pounds each and traveling at such a jog as requires him to 
lift his feet all around once in a second or sixty times a minute, 
keeps up his speed for five hours, how much work does he per- 
form — that is, how much does he lift ? 

Lifting one foot sixty times a minute ; for four feet, 60 X 
4 := 240. Lifting two pounds each time, in one minute he will 
lift 480 pounds, which, multiplied by 60, will make in one hour 
28,800 pounds, and in five hours, 144,000 pounds, or 72 tons. 
This calculation is based upon the scientific experiments of 
Mons. Bouley, of France. 

The injury of artificial or excessive weight carried at the, 
extremities of a horse's limbs is always increased as the rate of 
speed increases. But even for our heaviest draft horses it is not 
necessary to increase the concussion and battering, inseparable 
from their bulk, by an aggravation of several pounds of metal 
on each foot when an equal or greater advantage is to be found 
in shoes weighing only half as much : and one may well be ex- 
cused for wondering why horse owners do not deal with this 
issue as one of self interest. 



88 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Form of the Shoe. — The shoe should have a perfectly 
level, wall-bearing surface ; but to mellow and soften any pres- 
sure on the sole which has a certain amount of descent under 
the exertions of progression, the plane of the shoe should be 
concaved or beveled off inwardly, as shown in Fig. 27. 

The web of the shoe should be fashioned substantially, but 
not unduly wide. Narrow-webbed shoes are eminently the best, 
as they do not obstruct the growth of the sole, nor interfere 
with its natural strength and flexibility. 

Setting the Shoe. — It is a common thing for writers to 
admonish that " the shoe must be fitted to the foot, and not the 
foot to the shoe," and it would seem an unnecessary caution 
were it not a fact that the average farrier only partially prepares 
the foot at first, leaving the remainder of the work to be done 
after he has fitted the shoe — to his eye. Any inequalities or 
deficiencies then in the shoe are either burned into the hoof or 
it is rasped off and made, somehow or other, to conform to the 
size and shape of the shoe. I need hardly add that this practice 
is wrong, and that the outcome of it is pernicious in the ex- 
treme. 

Hot and Cold Fitting. — Burning a badly or even well-ad- 
justed shoe, to a badly or well-prepared foot, is injurious, and is 
to be deprecated under the most favorable circumstances, but 
the fusing of a red-hot shoe to the foot surface, as is generally 
practiced, can not be too severely condemned. Burning the 
sole will, in time, overheat, blister, and destroy the laminated 
and membraneous structures of the foot, causing lameness or 
intense pain, and often suppuration and lesion of the living tis- 
sues. The horn secreting tissues of the hoof under these cir- 
cumstances are impaired or suspended, and when closely exam- 
ined show an absence of the cohesive matter which unites the 
healthy fibers, which thus disintegrate and become hard, dry 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 89 

and brittle. The advocates of hot-fitting though, present 
many specious arguments for the furtherance of the practice. 
It is alleged that shoes can not be fitted so rapidly nor so closely 
by any other means, and this is generally true, for, by burning 
the shoes on, an accommodation is forced between the hoof and 
the shoe, and accuracy is thus secured, but at the expense of 
the right growth and operation of the foot, and any one who is 
a practical shoer, with any knowledge of anatomy, knows, with- 
out being told, that " mild and careful " work in hot-fitting is 
rare among workmen, while its indiscriminate and excessive 
use is a matter of every-day occurrence. Horn, being a non- 
conductor of heat, is slowing afl^ected by it, and it is claimed that 
three minutes burning of the lower face of the sole is necessary to 
produce any indication of increase of temperature on its upper 
surface. This is a fallacy, as I have tested and proven many 
times, by operating upon and dissecting green specimens with 
soles of varied thicknesses, when by the application of hot shoes 
for the specified time, I found that the soles of ordinary depth 
were penetrated by the heat and the sensitive sole scorched and 
the laminal tissues burned and charred. In the living subject 
these effects would have been disastrous, and they convinced me 
(if that were necessary) that the foot of a horse is in no sense to 
be compared to an inanimate block of wood which may be 
carved or charred at man's unholy will, or to suit his capricious 
whims. 

And because it is a vital organ filled with life and feeling, 
the necessity which there is of thought, care and skill being ex- 
ercised in our treatment of it, is pointed out to us by the most 
indubitable evidences of nature. The economy of time and 
labor attained in the process of hot-fitting will, I am sure, never 
counterbalance its evil effects. While it is probably true that 
more shoes can be fitted in a given time by hot-fitting than by 
cold, that is no argument in favor of its expediency, for it fol- 
lows as a logical sequence to be applied here, that it is the con- 



90 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

sistent business of the shoer always, to give form to the surface 
of the foot as well as to the shoe, and that the final test of skill 
and intelligence is in the best adaptation of one to the other, so 
that the least possible hurt shall be done to the foot. 

Fig. 28 illustrates the correct way of fitting a shoe, with 
proper length at toe and heel, with foot leveled and balanced, and 
front of wall in line with the natural inclination of the ankle 
from toe to fetlock, all as clearly defined in the section on the 
use of the adjuster. (See page 77.) 

Whenever the face of front toe does not line out full and 
straight from coronet to ground surface by reason of deficient 
growth, excessive wear, or paring down, the shoe should be 
made to cover out in front to the line of the natural tread, and 
thus supply the deficiency of the hoof. Also, where a quick 
going over of the toe is desired, let the shoe supply the same 
by being rolled or beveled on the ground surface instead of 
shortening up the toe of the hoof, as is so frequently done. 

Adaptation of the Shoe. — From this manner of setting, 
it may be observed that dangerous compressions will be avoided 
and the shoe rendered more secure by having it conform to the 
ground tread of the foot, and by having the nails placed in the 
quarters, three on each side (directly opposite) being suflieient. 
In effect, the more easy the shoes set upon the feet the more 
active the horse will be. So large, long, thick shoes make him 
heavy, unwieldy, and hobbling. A long, wide shoe is preca- 
rious, for the longer the lever the greater will be the drag upon 
the clinches of the nails, and thus horses will be more apt to 
trip and strike them oiF. The body of the shoe being unyield- 
ing, the flexibility of the hoof yields to the shoe heel, and the 
thicker the shoe is and the more it covers the sole, all the more 
subject is that of the horse to meet it, thus weakening the fet- 
locks and heels by compressing them as if in a constant vise, 
because they have always the same inflexible point of support. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 91 

Hence, we learn that the shoe must be made uniform with the 
spread of the hoof, and perfectly plain or flat in its actual bear- 
ings, in order to adapt it to a close, even seat all around ; not too 
thick or wide (varying, however, to suit the necessities of the 
case, for a medium-sized horse being about f inch thick by f 
inch wide), nor projecting beyond the natural circuit of the 
ground tread. After securing a perfect adaptation of the shoe 
to the foot, the two levels to fit each facing, do not spoil the job 
by going back to the anvil, as many do, and give it another final 
hammering, thus altering the foot surface of the shoe and caus- 
ing a misfit at the last. 

Fullering and Punching. — jS'ail holes should be punched 
through the slioe straight, or inclining slightly outward, directly 
opposite one another (except in cases where otherwise directed), 
that all danger of cramping the foot may be avoided when the 
nails are driven. The fullering and punching should not be too 
fine, that is, too near the outside of the shoe, but suitable for 
the size of the nails, so that they may enter and fill the same, as 
then they will stand sure and endure longer. If punched 
coarser, a stronger and better hold may be taken in the wall, 
and the nails need not be driven up so high as to prick or en- 
danger the sensitive structure. 

Concerning the Nails. — Never use inferior nails, for they 
invariably break ofi:" or bend upon slight occasions, and the 
shoe will work loose from the foot, or be quickly lost. A 
good nail should have a strong, stiflT neck and shoulder, flat, 
thin shank, and sharp point, without hoUowness or flaw. A 
low, short, thick hold for the nail is better both for the ease of 
the fQot and the security of the shoe. Two of the most common 
evils in shoeing are using too many and too large nails, and then 
driving them up too high in the wall. The fewest and smallest 
nails that will insure the shoe remaining on for a reasonable 



92 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

lene^th of time, is a rule that should never be departed from. 
For if a perfectly level bearing has been obtained, as ought to 
be the case if my directions are followed, only a few small 
nails will be required to hold the shoe securely in place. 

Fig. 29 shows a full-size, transverse section of a hoof, with 
shoe fitted and nails properly driven, to pass obliquely out 
through the strong, thick part of the wall, away from the 
cavity occupied by the sensitive structures of the foot. 

Driving the Nails. — As much care is required in the final 
adjustment of the shoe to set it right and fit the foot equally in 
all places, the two middle or quarter-nails should be driven first, 
with a few soft strokes of a light hammer, till they are some- 
what entered ; then see that the shoe fits the outer lines of the 
hoof evenly and justly, on one side the same as on the other, and 
that the tread is square and straight. Otherwise, either one or 
both of the operations — of leveling the foot and fitting or 
adapting the shoe — may be set at naught by a failure to nail 
the shoe on in its proper place. When this is done, let the 
rest of the nails be driven so that their points stand out in 
line ; then cut them ofiT and clinch them, turning the clinches 
down with the angle of the hoof and hiding them a little by 
filing or rasping the wall slightly underneath the clinches before 
laying them down. 

The Finished Work. — The shoer's work is now supposed 
to be completed, and he must know when to stop. He must not, 
therefore, give any "finishing touches" to the hoof by rasping 
oft* the outer crust of the wall, in order to make it seem round 
about the shoe. An ever-beneficent nature has provided for the 
entire wall from the coronet to the base a fine film of natural 
horny varnish — the periople — which is necessary for its protec- 
tion and perfect growth. By robbing it of this proper horny 
coating, the farrier inflicts an injury on the foot beyond the 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 93 

reach of art to imitate or repair. Hoof dressings and other oily 
preparations can not replace the loss of this natural healthy, 
glossy layer, and their use to polish the hoof is detrimental to 
the growth or development of the horny tissues. 

Sizes of Commercial Nails, with Recommendations for 
their Various Uses. 

No. 2. For plating running horses and colts. 

3. For "training shoes" on running horses. 

4. For the track horse. 
4 J. For the roadster. 

5. For the roadster. 

6. For general business and hack horses. 

7. For omnibus and stage horses. 

8. For light draught horses. 

9. For heavy draught horses. 
For the heavier breeds of draught horses, such as the 

jSTorman, wearing extra heavy shoes (from 6 to 8 
pounds), for which extra long nails are required. 



94 



SCIEXTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




PKACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



95 




Fig. 19. 



iiOlOT^' LEV£'LrNG PL'A|il 



Fig. 20. 




Fig. 21. 



96 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 22. position of foot, uplifted, in 

THE most convenient WAY FOR HOLDING 
SAME IN OBTAINING LEVELS, ASCERTAINING 
ITS GRADATIONS AND DULY PROPORTIONING 
IT BEFORE SHOEING. 



A, A, Wall-bearing surface leveled 
and prepared for the shoe. 

B, Cleft of frog, marking line 
through center of heels to middle 
of toe. 

C, D, C, D, Heels leveled and 
equalized from coronet to ground 
surface. 

E, E, The wall leveled and lined 
up equally from coronet to base op- 
posite the quarters. 

P, F, Coronet level from upper 
border to base at each side of heel. 

G, G, Dotted line showing how 
one side of the heel may be twisted 
out of .its proper position by an un- 
equal bearing of the foot, produced 
by uneven wall (high or low on 
either side), and improper shoeing. 



Any overgro\Yth of hoof will displace the natural balance 
of the horse and cause him to dispose his feet in or out, or 
carry his legs forward or back in the direction of the greatest 
bearing point, while with feet leveled and balanced, as they 
should be, he will stand correctly and move with ease and com- 
fort all the time. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



97 




Fig. 23. showing under surface of 
a perfect front hoof properly pre- 
pared for the shoe, with guide lines 
for leveling and balancing the foot. 



A, Center of frog cleft in line 
•with the insertions of front and 
back tendons, and parallel to their 
straight line of movement. B, B, 
Line through longitudinal center 
of foot, dividing it into exact 
halves and indicating middle of 
heels and front toe. C, C, Line 
transversely across center of foot, 
midway through inside and out- 
side quarters. The point of inter- 
section of these lines indicates the 
normal center of gravit3^ D, D, 
D, D, Intersecting lines marking 
the width of inside and outside 
toes and heels. E, E, Branches 
or forks of the frog on either side 
of the median cleft. F, P, Bars 
on either side of the frog. G, G, 
Commissures or grooves between 
the bars and frog. H, H, H, H, 
Line marking height of heels from 
coronet to base. I, I, Concave 
surface of sole. J, J, J, J, Wall- 
bearing surface leveled and pre- 
pared for the shoe. 



These lines indicate the main points where the wall of the 
hoof is to be measured from the coronet to the lower rim or 
base, in order to obtain equal and exact levels around the entire 
circuit. The height of any two opposite points on either side 
of line B, B, must correspond, that is, the sides of toe and heels 
and quarters must be alike to insure proper levels, and the 
width from the converging center, near point of frog, to any 
radiating point on opposite sides must be equal to secure a per- 
fectly-balanced foot. 



98 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 24. upper surface of a perfect hoof, corresponding "with the 
under surface.shown in the preceding figure. 

A, Internal ridge or spur of the frog-stay dividing the fissures. 

B, B, Internal fissures, or depressions between the bars and frog, in 
which the plantar cushion finds lodgment. 

C, Internal point of fissures corresponding with external summit of the 
horny frog. 

D, D, Internal surface of the horny sole. 

E, E, External upper face of wall. 

F, F, Dotted line indicating thickness of wall. 

G, G, Transverse line across center of hoof midway through quarters. 
H, H, Longitudinal line through center of hoof marking middle of toe 

and heel. The intersection of these lines locates the normal center of gravity. 

I, I, Upper margin of the coronary band called the periople ring and 
continuing to the skin. 

J, J, Laminar leaves of horny tissue coming out from the internal 
face of the wall and extending over the bars. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



99 








Fig. 25. side view of a perfect fore foot and leg, standing naturally, 
after it is leveled and balanced according to directions given. 

A, A, Front or toe of hoof, lined up with inclination of pastern, at an 
angle of about 50 degrees. B, B, Angle of incidence, through axis of the ter- 
minal bones, and center of foot joints, locating the normal center of equipoise 
at the base. C, C, Line of vertical descent, through axis of leg upon which 
the stress of weight and momentum pass to fetlock and pastern. D, Center 
or pivot of fetlock joint where the stress is imparted or deflected through the 
phalanges of the foot, and thrown out on tlie bearing surfaces of the hoof. 



100 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




A A 

Fig. 26. transverse section through quarters showing the natural 

BACK position OF FRONT FOOT STANDING AFTER BEING PREPARED FOR THE SHOE 
AS INSTRUCTED. 



A, A, Base or spread of the hoof accurately leveled and balanced. 

B, B, Upper border of hoof showing levels at coronet. 

C, C, Cutigeral groove or cavity in which the coronary cushion rests. 

D, Interior fissure in which the plantar cushion is imbedded. 

E, External projection of summit of horny frog near center of sole. 

P, P, Vertical line cast through axis of the bony column locating the 
normal center of gravity in a balanced foot. 

G, G, Wall of hoof across the quarters, lined up on both sides, equally 
from coronet to base. 

H, H, Arch of horny sole crowning the ground surface. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



101 




Fig. 27. front foot shoe for general road or business purposes. 



This shoe may be regarded as a standard pattern for gen- 
eral use, and should be about f in. thick x | in. wide, to weigh 12 
ounces, varying when necessary to suit the horse to which it 
is applied. The above view shows a good flat wall-bearing sur- 
face and the inner rim concaved or beveled to avoid pressure on 
flat, soft, or weak-soled feet. For ordinary driving six nails are 
sufficient, three on each side placed opposite each other in the 
quarters as indicated. The shoe should fit the toe and heel and 
follow the circle of the wall neatly, and the ends of the branches 
are to rest strongly on the bars at each side of the heels. The 
ground-bearing surface of this shoe should ordinarily be per- 
fectly flat. 



102 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 28. natural position of a perfect fore foot on the ground, 
leveled, balanced and rightly fitted with shoe in accordance with 
the rules laid down. 

This figure shows to advantage the proportions of a symmetrial foot and 
pasterns of right size, length, and slope to give the desired strength, vigor, and 
suppleness. It will be observed that the angle of the hoof at toe and heel are 
continuous with the natural bias of the pastern, and that thus the poise of 
the leg and foot is unconstrained and perfectly adapted to sustain the weight 
and perform the functions of locomotion with ease, comfort and security. 
The shoe is adjusted to the natural-ground tread of the foot following the circuit 
of toe, heel and sides, being affixed with three nails directly opposite one an- 
other on each side. In this way the foot lands evenly, the strain is equally 
distributed between the bones and tendons, the expansion is uniform all 
around, and all danger of foot or leg soreness is entirely avoided. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



103 




Fig. 29. full size, transverse section, through hoof near the heel, 
showing actual thickness of the various parts in a hoop of medium size. 

A, A, Thickness of wall at quarters. 

B, B, External junction of bars and sole at base of wall. 

C, C, C, C, Continuation of bars, overarching and joining themselves to 
the frog and sole. 

D, D, External bulbs of the frog forks divided by the cleft. 

E, Internal frog-stay or spur projecting into the thick part of the plantar 
cushion. 

F, F, Internal fissures divided by the frog-stay, designed to receive the 
plantar cushion. 

G, G, Internal cavities which form the seat of the wings of the coffin-bone. 
H, H, External gaps, called commissures, separating the bars and frog. 
K, K, Cutigeral groove, or cavity, in which the coronary cushion rests. 
S, S, Shoe properly applied on the level bearing provided by the under 

rim of wall, with the nails driven at right inclination to take a strong, short 
hold and come out of the wall with the least injury to its fibers and without 
hurtf ally compressing the sensitive structures of the foot. 



The marginal line surrounding the hoof shows its relative 
angles and levels with the rectangular border. 



104 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER V. 
SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 

TO BALANCE AND REGULATE ACTION AND GAIT. 

Conditions of Action. — Not to go too deep into the liter- 
ature of the subject, it seems that the walk, trot, and gallop have 
always been the natural gaits common to horses, influenced by 
their environments and the nature of the ground over which 
they traveled. On the other hand, the ingenuity of man has 
evolved various breeds and given them different phases of ac- 
tion, in order that certain demands not naturally existing, but 
arising in a later day civilization, might be fitted. This shows 
that the quality or characteristic of action is, in a measure, ar- 
tificial, because as soon as the natural necessity for any specified 
gait ceases to exist, the gait ceases with it, unless training by 
man is substituted for the original demand. At the present 
day, therefore, we notice that all breeds of horses are distin- 
guished by some special method of action, which is an essential 
factor in determining the intrinsical and fancy value of any of 
their representatives. The trotter that can not trot, or the 
hackney that can not lift his knees and hocks, is generally an 
unsalable commodity. It would serve no special purpose to go 
more fully into the details of this section. What I am most 
anxious to show is that the natural conditions of the ground 
over which horses must travel should regulate their gaits, and 
that for any given method of progression the proper style of 
shoes must be adapted and applied with a nice intelligence so 
that the exercise of their legs and feet may be fully sustained 
without violent waste of effort. In animated beings, soundness 
of parts and liberty of movement constitute the perfection of 



SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 105 

existence ; hence it becomes a paramount duty that the training 
and gaiting of horses be primarily conducted within this scope, 
a prerequisite of which is the observance of certain rational de- 
tails appertaining to the affairs of shoeing which all horsemen 
should understand. 

Care bestowed in Colthood. — While attention is being 
continually drawn to the foot of the horse after it is shod, few 
references are made to the hoof of the shoeless colt. The lat- 
ter is, by some peculiar oversight, left to take care of itself, as if 
it required no preparation whatever in the early stages of its 
existence. Consequently the limbs and action of many young 
colts are impaired from neglect of proper supervision of the 
most important of all his aids to locomotion — his hoofs. I have 
visited many breeding establishments of racing stock, where the 
last consideration of the proprietors appeared to be the import- 
ance of supplying conditions under which the feet of their 
youngsters could have every chance of proper development. 
Many times there may be seen promising two- or three-year olds 
with ragged, uneven feet, growing into all shapes but the right, 
when the most simple early attention would avert disease or de- 
formity. If the bearing surface of the young animal's foot is 
uneven, it most surely results in weakness of the limb or visible 
deformity when he arrives at maturity. Defective hoofs are of 
as a serious nature in the immature colt as in the full-grown or 
aged horse, and as much to be counteracted as in the horse reg- 
ularly shod by the expert shoeing smith, and neglect may bring 
regret at a later day ; for, in the case of the former, permanent 
injury is the result of inattention. He may grow in or out at 
the toes, either calf kneed, bent kneed, or knock kneed, just as 
the bearing surface of the hoof maintains its relations to the 
joints, ligaments and tendons of the limb of which it is the base. 

First Trial of Shoes. — The horse's hoof is after all a good 



106 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

deal of what we make it, and if our horses from colthood up, 
had their feet more carefully attended to, the period of their ac- 
tive usefulness would be greatly extended, and in every way they 
would be found better suited for the work required of them. I 
am in a position to know some of the main causes that are re- 
sponsible for imperfections of gait and action in horses, and one 
of the foremost among them is the first shoes that are put upon a 
youngster. To shoe a colt for the first time and shoe him scientifi- 
cally, put a very light shoe on him, and every shoe the same 
weight front and hind, then you have your horse balanced per- 
fectly, as nature made him, and if pure gaited he can always be 
shod so. Afterward if he betrays a lack of balance, faulty ac- 
tion, or an uneven gait, a driver of keen observation can cer- 
tainly discover the imperfections and apply the proper correct- 
ives. To force a change in his way of going must be at the ex- 
pense of the joints and tendons. For if the articulation is such 
that the limb is forced to go in a w^rong direction, any irregular 
or iricreased weisrhting of the foot to force it to ffo in a diflerent 
direction will undoubtedly result in serious trouble. A broken 
gait and unbalanced movement comes from some evident cause. 
Remove that cause and the ill effects quickly disappear, and the 
animal becomes comfortable in his action, with the result of 
an increased desire, as also increased capacity to speed faster, 
and in such a smooth, rythmical way that it becomes a real 
pleasure to the noble animal. 

Modifications of Action. — In the course of my long ex- 
perience as a shoer, I have necessarily had a great deal to do by 
adaptation of shoes to the balancing and trueing of irregular 
and mixed gaited horses, representing every type and condition 
of foot soundness and soreness. I have thus come in contact 
with many horses where the cause of such disordered action 
seemed obscure, or where the true seat of trouble had its origin 
or location elsewhere, while apparently leaving its mark or mak- 



SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 107 

ing its sign at the extremities of the limbs. It is proper to sug- 
gest, therefore, that, when beginning examinations at these 
points and failing to identify the trouble, you should not sus- 
pend investigations without subjecting other regions of the limbs 
and trunk to a close scrutiny, until the real cause of the ailment 
is discovered and you have satisfactorily remedied it before per- 
manent injury ensues from neglect or inadvertence. It may be 
that the horse is not well-balanced in physical build. If the 
shoulders are very straight the feet will not be properly flexed, 
nor will they if the pasterns are short and upright. He may 
have long legs and a short reach underneath, or he may have 
long, sloping or weak pasterns and be unnaturally close coupled 
in the back, or exceptionally open-angled from hip to hock. 
Also he may be long in his sweeps behind or he may carry his 
head too high or too low for a proper balance on his limbs, and 
any one of these so-called structural defects — by insufficiency or 
misdirection of purpose — may give rise to a derangement in the 
movement of extention or flexion, to take effect in action or gait, 
or may lead to injury of the feet or limbs, as I will amplify in 
the section on " Faults of Conformation." 

Care of Horses' Mouths. — Illustrations in point of prob- 
able or remote causes assisting to disturb the action and break 
the gait of horses — which shoeing will avail nothing whatever 
toward remedying — may be found in the horse's mouth. 

This is one of the most sensitive organs of the equine econ- 
omy. All young horses coming three or four years old should 
have their mouths and teeth carefully examined when any 
symptoms of tenderness or irritation are shown, as it is at this 
age that some of the deciduous molars are replaced by the per- 
manent teeth. In some cases this gives rise to much pain and 
annoyance to horses, affecting their temper and sensibility. 
Again, in some horses, the structure of the teeth is of a compar- 
atively soft nature, and wears upon the grinding substances in 



108 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

a ragged and uneven manner, which severely cuts and lacerates 
the tongue and cheeks, or, by a driver repeatedly lugging on 
one rein or the other, hard, sharp, spur-like points are formed 
or irregularly grown on the borders of the teeth, which become 
an exciting cause of injury to the gums and membranes of the 
mouth, impairing the natural processes of mastication and con- 
tributing at the same time to a bad way of going; also, the ani- 
mal may sufler from toothache, due to a displaced crown of a 
temporary molar, or from ulceration, which will cause it to 
champ fretfully upon the bit and lurch to one side in such a sud- 
den manner that he "looses his feet," by becoming bad in his 
action and tangled in his gait. If a horse pulls his head and 
neck out of line with the median plane of his body the hind 
limb on that side is correspondingly misdirected, and its foot 
is forced to land between the front ones instead of in line with 
them, this cross-iiring naturally impairs the steadiness of his gait 
and injuries are liable to occur from it. If a humane treatment 
of the teeth is pursued by people who own horses they will ob- 
viate these changes of locomotion, and at the same time be 
amply repaid by the improved appearances of their animals 
through proper mastication of their food and in their general 
order of movement. 

Handling Young Horses. — In gaiting young horses, much 
lies in the understanding how to equip and handle them. A 
driver or trainer can make or unmake the " thoroughbred close 
up," as he is wise to see that which is good, proves it worth, and 
holds fast to much that is tried, until it grows from the stage of 
experiment to law of permanent action. A horse may have 
plenty of spirit and yet be free from the undesirable habits of 
shying, breaking his gait and losing his balance, if the reins are 
made to deliver their right message. You might take a good 
horse, properly shod, and handle him like some cranky drivers 
do, and you could never judge just how a horse would best han- 



SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 109 

die himself. The horse that is least governed is the best gov- 
erned, when you want to get at the point of how light or how 
heavy his shoes should be to get the best speed and style of ac- 
tion. Trotters are changed to pacers and pacers are changed to 
trotters simply by an adaptation of shoes to the animal's way 
of going, and instances are on record of horses trotting in one 
race and pacing in another, the change being effected simply 
by shoeing. It is true that this can not always be effected for 
some families pace naturally, and again it is nearly impossible 
to make a pure square line trotter into a pacer, but some have 
naturally an interchangeable gait, and if the possibilities of 
scientific shoeing were more thoroughly understood, we would 
see less crooked-legged, knee-padded, tendon-booted horses led 
out to display their forced speed, and its utilities would make 
their own demonstration in every department of horse enterprise. 

Determining the Gait. — You can not have strained ten- 
dons, swelled joints, and irregular-gaited horses if the feet are 
trued and balanced and the shoe properly adjusted to carry out 
the balance. Do this, and their action will be true and their 
gait equably sustained all the time. 

In developing a horse's gait and speed, shoeing is a matter 
of the utmost importance, and one which requires the greatest 
study and care. It is, in fact, half the battle. Careful, patient 
experimentation, extending over many days, or even weeks, 
may be necessary to ascertain these points. Not until they have 
been ascertained and safely met is the colt ready for a " trial of 
speed," or for the adjustment of any settled gait. For a green 
colt, no matter how pure-gaited he may be, is almost certain to 
cut his shins or his knees by striking them with his feet when 
he begins to travel at a high rate of speed. The skillful horse- 
man will carefully study all these varying points. The shoeing 
will largely depend upon the individual necessities of the an- 
imal and other similar conditions. 



110 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Regulating the Gait. — With a view to correcting and bal- 
ancing with proper shoes and weights any faults he may have, 
carefully note every point in the action of a young horse while 
giving him a little preliminary driving. If the action is dispro- 
portionate, or the propelling power of the hind limbs excessive 
and their stride longer or more rapid than that of the front 
ones, their movements can be regulated and equalized in this 
.way. The feet must first be leveled and balanced in the manner 
provided for when shoeing the perfect foot. (Fig. 23.) Very 
light shoes are then to be put on all round. For the front feet, 
use the pattern of scoop-toe shoe seen in Fig. 89, as this will 
quicken their revolution. Then, by using the shoe (Fig. 106) for 
the hind feet, having the ends of the branches calked length- 
wise and turned outward beyond the heel ^ inch or more, the 
flexion and extension of these limbs will be retarded to a decree 
that will accommodate them to the difference in movement of 
the front limbs. 

In all such instances, however, the weight of the shoes 
must be adapted to suit the style of action, some horses requir- 
ing more and some less weight, to fulfill the purpose iu view. 
In cases where light shoes fail, or where the horse has a low, 
swift gait behind and does not use his hocks sufficiently, it is 
necessary to shoe heavier behind than in front — the hind shoes 
to weigh, say, from 4 to 5 ounces more — because the greater 
weight on the hind feet will cause him to use his hocks and 
muscles more in picking up his feet, and this will naturally tend 
to slow the action behind and thus allow time sufficient for the 
front feet to get out of the way. 

If the action is naturally well-balanced, the shoes should, 
of course, be of the same weight all round. 

Balancing the Action. — It is sometimes a matter of great 
difficulty to balance and square the action of horses, especially 
trotters. The requirements are so many and varied that various 



SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. Ill 

expedients must be resorted to in securing the benefits of 
shoeing. 

Some horses are long, low striders, and others high, short 
steppers. Some require heavy and some light shoes, and every 
style of open, bar, flat, concave, rolling, and weighted shoes, 
with diflerent lengths of toes and heels, are necessary, amongst 
the rest, for times and occasions, to regulate and balance the 
action of diflerent horses ; and much of the success that should 
attend the acquirement of a pure gait, or the correction of a 
faulty one, depends upon the discretion exercised in the selection 
of the right kind of shoe. 

When the action of a horse is short, high, and quick, or 
" choppy," in front, it will generally be found that the toe of 
the foot is too short and the heels too high, or that the pasterns 
and shoulders are upright. This can be remedied in eflect by 
lowering the heels as much as possible, which will bring the 
foot more to the ground. In case the front part of the hoof has 
been rasped or pared too short, the shoe should be extended over 
and beyond the toe, and thus acquire a proper extent of ground 
surface. The weight of the shoe must be determined by the 
driver or owner as to what is best adapted for the horse to 
carry with ease and safety. 

When the action in front is long and low and stiff'-kneed, 
put the foot in shape as for the perfect foot (Fig. 23), and use 
the scoop-toe rolling-motion shoe shown in Figs. 89 and 101, 
which will shorten the stride by lessening the extent of the 
ground tread, and at the same time eflect an increase of knee 
action. A still more eflS.cient aid in these respects will be found 
in the use of the plain rolling-motion shoe (Fig. 93), for in pro- 
portion to the increase of the roll in the shoe, so will be the 
increase of the action in the knee. The roll heightens and 
hastens the action, imparting, as it were, a " down-hill " impulse 
to the ste 

A common cause of bad action in speed horses is tenderness 



112 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

or soreness in the feet, resulting from improper shoeing. To 
shape and properly adjust a shoe to meet the varying require- 
ments of a horse's foot is an art that is not as thoroughly under- 
stood as it should be (as I have elsewhere shown), and there are 
still many primitive methods associated with the professional 
practice. No man is fit to shoe a horse unless he can balance 
and level a foot scientifically so as to preserve or restore the 
natural bearings of the joints and hoof, which is, after all, the 
main thing necessary, and the quantity of skill displayed in this 
respect constitutes the real difierence between the skilled and 
unskilled workman. An ill-fitting shoe is as inconvenient and 
painful to a horse as a tight boot is to his owner, and the com- 
parison more than justifies itself when it is borne in mind that 
the horse's shoe becomes a fixture not to be discarded at will, 
whence follow impaired action, distorted hoofs, corn bruises, 
inflammations, etc. A foot thus shod may be tortured by the 
cramping of nails around the toe or be " underpunched " and 
driven upon the sensitive parts ; or by scooping out the sole and 
then shoeing with too light, thin plates, causing what is known 
as " foot scald." Other penalties are inflicted by burning, caus- 
ing the hoof to become hard and dry; and in destroying the 
right angle of the foot by having high heels and short toes, or 
vice versa. A horse with a low gliding action behind can only 
move efficiently with light-weight shoes, as the labor in such 
cases devolves mostly on the muscles of the thigh — the hock not 
opening wide, and much weight on the foot soon becomes fa- 
tiguing. The shoes for the hind feet should therefore be light 
as can be safely worn, and be well concaved on the ground 
surface, without heel-calks, as shown by Fig. 116. 

The Useful Gait. — It only remains to be added in this 
connection, that it will pay horsemen to cultivate that most use- 
ful gait for any horse — however restricted it may appear — 
namely, a good walk. The steady, good, four-miles-an-hour 



SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 113 

walk is the gait that " gets there " with the most regularity and 
with the least amount of wear and tear of team and vehicle 
every time. The team that walks steadily and well, without 
being required to mar the walk by trotting over part of the 
road, generally reaches its destination before the one that divides 
the distance into periods of brisk trots and very slow walks. 
To improve the walk of a team, it should be taught to work 
persistently at that pace, without alternating the performance 
by any other style of going, for the time being, for that would 
spoil the salutary eftects of the lesson. 



11-i SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER YI. 
SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 

DEALING WITH DIFFERENT KINDS OF FEET. 

That there is a wide margin of difference in respect to the 
conformation and proportions which characterize the feet of 
different kinds of horses, or horses reserved for particular uses, 
is too constant and well established a fact to require formal as- 
sertion here, and that it is the practical difficulties of adjusting^ 
suitable shoes to meet these varied requirements that most of 
the failures of farriers is due, can not for a moment be denied. 
There is always a choice of modes and instrumentalities avail- 
able to the farrier, a question of preference as to this or that 
alternative in shoeing, and it often involves a considerable amount 
of practical ingenuity and good judgment to decide on a proced- 
ure that will insure good final results. 

This, indeed, constitutes the most difficult part of the art 
of shoeing, for it is plainly evident that all feet, differing as they 
do in conditions and uses, can not be alike operated upon, nor 
can one kind of shoe be supposed to answer the purposes of alL 
The safety, speed and endurance of a horse greatly depend 
upon the adaptation of his shoeing to the nature ef the work he 
has to perform, and at all times a careful application of it to the 
state of his foot. 

In general terms this represents a comparison applicable to 
the science of horseshoeing in its best state, that, in its degree, 
it demands as much expertness, knowledge, and attention to 



SPECIAL AN J) GENERAL SHOEING. 115" 

details, as is required in the construction of a delicate musical 
instrument that it may keep in tune and harmonious action. 

The mode of dealing with each foot, therefore, should be 
influenced both by its kind of condition and the kind of service 
for which the horse is designed. A want of attention in this 
respect or a disregard of the consequences entailed by such neg- 
lect, is largely responsible for the disasters that wait on misap- 
plied shoeing ; not only marring the utility of shoeing to all 
intents and purposes, but rendering it a menace instead of a pro- 
tection. 

Without being an alarmist, and not presuming to claim a 
monopoly of advantages in criticizing the objectionable features 
most noticeable in the common run of horseshoers' work, I 
again refer to my observations in Chapter IV on the importance 
of settling and balancing the foot on the normal center of 
equilibrium, which it must be understood inclines, and is fixed 
or altered according to the natural or unnatural growth of the 
hoof; then, in the right adaptation of the shoe to maintain and 
carry out this balance. Reiterating these primary facts, all 
the more from the frequency of the instances where they are 
wholly disregarded (there being one good intelligent shoer, it is 
safe to say, where there are ten others ruining horses right 
along), and to the further fact that they are at the very begin- 
ning of all inquiries relating to the proper shoeing of horses of 
any and every kind, as well as to the cause and treatment of many 
foot ailments. Hereafter my references and comparisons in 
dealing with the other portions of my subject may be considered 
as constantly applying to, or as being based on, the general mat- 
ters of shoeing advanced in the chapter just mentioned. 

The Running or Galloping Horse. — The running horse 
occupies a legitimate position at the head of field racing. As- 
pirants for distinction in this class must have physical merit to 
make prominent those qualities which alone prove most accept- 



116 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 



30. RACING PLATE FOR RUNNING OR 
GALLOPING HORSES. 



able on the track — vital- 
ity, strength, speed, and 
endurance. The running 
horse concentrates the 
full power of a perfect 
animal organism in his 
terrific bursts of speed, 
and is rewarded accord- 
ing to his deserts. Con- 
sidering the i m mi e n 8 e 
length of stride, or the 
distance covered with 
each forward movement 
or jump in the act ot 
galloping, when each front and hind pair of bipeds are 
extended to their utmost in rapid succession to receive, sus- 
tain and transfer the weight of the body, as well as the burden 
of the rider, it will be readily appreciated that the result of 
these eftbrts (sometimes prolonged in hard contests) must prove 
a severe test of the structural makeup of any horse, and that in 
the eliminating process where exceptional speed marks the 
" survival of the fittest," a large proportion of all running and 
racing horses soon cease to be available for speed or any other 
profitable purpose. From the violence of their exertions they 
are liable to sprains of tendons and ligaments, and a sprained 
leg must always remain a weak leg. 

The great sprain producing or " breaking down '' pace is 
the gallop, but (as this injury more nearly concerns the limbs 
above the fetlock) as a rule, running horses have much better 
feet than trotters. This is due to the softer tracks over which 
they course, and to the consistent use of light thin shoes, 
so that the frog impinges the ground with such a firm tread 
as to overcome any interposition to the expansive capacity 



SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 117 

of the foot while in action, we must, for the most part, ascribe 
that better condition observable in the feet of running horses. 

To preserve them in this way, despite their hard manner 
of going, it necessarily requires judicious care and the barring 
out of most of the objectionable features to be found in shoe- 
ing. AVhen properly applied according to their natural require- 
ments, the training shoes of running horses are quite light, placed 
on with only a few small nails, not to unnecessarily crowd, split, 
or weaken the wall ; then, before racing these training shoes 
are removed, the feet accurately leveled and balanced like the 
form in Fig. 23, and racing plates substituted. The latter are 
a light, narrow rim, about -^ in. thick x f in. wide, weighing, 
say, Ih to 2J ounces, though this must be proportioned to suit 
the conditions of going, gait, balance, etc. These plates should 
be well concaved on the ground surface, with a fine edge all 
round, to catch the first impulse of the spring at the toe without 
slipping, and be adjusted to the precise line of the hoof, just 
covering the wall-bearing to insure perfect action without com- 
pressing or touching any other part. The nails should have 
thin, narrow blades and sharp points and be driven around the 
sides and heels even to the extreme ends of the branches of the 
shoe, as shown in Fig. 30 ; to point out through the thick lower 
margin of the wall, and thus secure a solid, permanent hold, as 
shown in Fig. 29. 

In this way, the task (worthy of the most intelligent farrier) 
to combine the right and useful utilities of the work will be in- 
sured, to the desirable end that " violence during locomotion," 
which constitutes the serious and irreparable accident termed 
" breaking down," will, at least, be restrained in so far as shoe- 
ing can effect it. 

The Trotting Horse. — The trotting horse must be consid- 
ered in the light of a pattern road horse — generally useful in 
form, gait and docility, to meet any demand — combining the 



118 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



ambition of a gentleman's driver and the reliability of a lady's 
phaeton horse. The influence of the trotting-bred animal is 
favorably seen in its effects upon the general character of our 
roadster stock, which it has greatly improved for all practical 
purposes and enhanced in all desirable respects. In other lines 
his public performances on the turf have given the trotting 
horse a prominence ud equaled as his excellence, and he is every- 
where fancied as the favorite among speed horses. In this re- 
spect the distinctive trotter is an example of modern evolution ; 
as will be seen by a reference to the following table, which gives 
a list of the standard, record-taking performers, in and subse- 
quent to the year 1806, from which date the development of the 
trottinsr classes are credited. 



CHAMPIONS OF THE FAST-CLASS REGULATION MILE-TRACKS. 



3806 
1810 
1829 
1834 
1839 
1844 
1844 
1849 
1849 
1849 
1855 
1859 
1867 
1867 
1868 
1869 
1871 
1872 



Name. 



Yankee 

Boston Horse 

Topgallant, 3 miles 

Edwin Forrest 

Drover 

Lady SufiFolk 

Unknown 

Pelhara, converted pacer — 

Highland Maid 

Flora Temple 

Pocahontas, pacing to wagon 

Flora Temple 

Dexter. 

Dexter 

Lady Thomas 

American Girl, 31 oz. shoes.. 

Goldsmith Maid 

Lucy 



K 



2 59 

8 11 
2 31 
2 28 
2 26 
2.23 
2 28 
2.27 
2.24U 
2 11\i 
2 19% 
2 19 
2.17>^ 
2.181^ 
2 19>^ 
2 17 
2 18^ 



>i 



1874 
1875 
1876 
1878 
1878 
1S79 
1880 
1880 
1881 
1881 
1884 
1884 
1885 
1889 
1891 
1892 
1894 
1895 



Name. 



Goldsmith Maid. 

Lula 

Smuggler 

Rarus 

Hopeful 

St. Julien. 



St. Julien / ^ . 

Maude S. S sameaate. 

Mauds 

Maud S 

Jay Eye See 

Maud S 

Maud S 

Guy 

Sunol 

Nancy Hanks 

Alix (against time) 



2.14 

2.15)^ 

2 15J4 

2.131^ 

2 UX 

2 123r 

2.11% 

2.11% 

2.10% 

2.IOI4 

2.10 

2 09% 

2.08% 

2.10% 

2.08% 

2.04 

2.03% 



(It is freely predicted that a speed of two minutes is not 
only possible, but probable, in the immediate future.) 

This gradual development of the trotting horse to his pres- 
ent state of excellence, and the still greater excellence to which 
farther development in the future will certainly elevate him, can 
not fail to improve all kinds of light harness horses in general 
use. The trotter will train on and breed on. People who are 
not horsemen, in the strict acceptance of the word, but who. 



SPECIAL AXD GENERAL SHOEING. 119 

nevertheless, enjoy a ride behind a good horse, will become more 
and more impressed with the fact that it costs no more to keep 
a good horse than a poor one, and that in horses, as in every- 
thing else, the best is the cheapest. The demand for good 
horses will therefore increase, and as the general horsekeeping 
public become more and more learned in the knowledge of what 
a good horse really is, they will take nothing else. 

In the evolution of the trotting horse the most vital and 
imperative points commanding the attention of horsemen and 
farriers have been the acquirement of constantly improved 
methods and skill applying to the intelligent supervision of his 
feet and legs, the most important parts of the animals structure, 
upon the soundness of which its capacity for speed and power 
of endurance greatly depend. I have already referred (in the 
chapter on " Shoeing Young Horses ") to the many perplexities 
to be encountered in the progress of shoeing trotting horses, 
owing to the variety and velocity of movement, and because 
each single front leg is required to alternate at certain successive 
moments in bearing all of the weight and impetus of moving, 
instead of sharing it with its counterpart, as in the act of stand- 
ing or running, in all of w^hich there is always an increase of the 
difficulties of shoeing. 

The w^eight and style of shoe, are, therefore, to be regarded 
with the utmost nicety of judgment, and such matters must be 
thoroughly understood in adapting the shoe to its proper intent. 
It is necessary for the shoe to be well adjusted to a close, strong 
I)earing upon the wall, and that it be sufficiently wide to sustain 
the usage required without bending or twisting, nor yet to touch 
or bear against the sole. The shoe should therefor be beveled off 
inside of the wall-bearing and fit the hoof to the best advantage 
uniformly around all parts, with a firm seat toward the heels, 
and in all other respects let it be made and fitted like the shoe 
for the perfect foot, Figs. 27 and 28. By having the ends of 
shoes beveled ofi:* on the same angle as the heels of the hoof, 



120 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

the force of landing will pass through the ball of the foot on 
the right axis of the leg, withoiit injury to the back tendons. 
Three nails on each side of shoe opposite each other will allow 
the foot to expand equally on both quarters and thus avoid the 
danger of foot and leg soreness. It should be borne in mind 
that pressure from the shoe must be kept ofi' around the front 
part of the foot to prevent toe soreness, as the hoof grows more 
at the toe than at the quarters. 

Some horses may require scoop-toe shoes, or shoes concaved 
on the ground surface, others, small heel calks ; but these points, 
together with weight of shoes, etc., must be adjusted to suit the 
stride and gait of the horse. "When starting trotting horses in 
their spring work after a long winter's rest, it is advisable in 
some cases to have their front shoes weigh four or five ounces 
more than the shoes worn in the fall races, as these heavier shoes 
will assist them in getting up more quickly to their stride. Reset 
the shoes every ten or fifteen days, so that the foot may be kept 
level and balanced, and at all times fit the shoes snug around 
the hoof to avoid striking them oft' by an overreach. 

Another point worth}^ of note in this connection is, that by 
watching the action of a trotting horse and attentively listening 
to the sound of each footfall, the rhythm of their movement may 
be observed and any irregularity detected. Thus, if the action 
is balanced the succession of steps will fall in regular 1-2-3-4 
time, but if any irregular interval occurs — either slower or faster 
— there is a difterence in the length of stride. Where there is 
a long interval, the stride of the slow-moving limb is longer 
than its fellows, and where there is a short interval, the stride 
of the quick-moving limb is shorter than the others. These 
irregularities may be due to some inequality of the foot — a high 
heel or short toe will cause an unbalanced gait or an unequal 
stride. A foot shorter on the ground surface — that is, with 
short toes — is shorter in stride and quicker in its fall than the 
others. If the front feet are upon the same angle, same height 



SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEIXG. 121 

of wall from coronet to base, same length of ground tread from 
heel to toe, and carry the same weight and style of shoes, their 
action and stride should be the same, and this rule applies also 
to the hind feet. 

To supply any insufficiency in ground tread of hoof, the 
shoe should be made to project over the toe enough to line up 
with the correct angle of hoof and pastern, all as explained and 
shown in Chap. lY, with Figs. 16 to 29. 

The Pacing Horse. — Having shown in the preceding chap- 
ter that the necessity for action of a certain kind has in some 
cases been the cause of breed evolution, and in others breed evo- 
lution has necessitated the development of action of an entirely 
different character, I come now to speak of one of these artificial 
gaits as displayed by the pacing-bred animal. The pacing horse 
shows his ability to successfully compete with other distinctive 
" speed horses " in their own sphere, but he will not compare 
side by side in popular favor with the trotter as a road horse. 
The action is a succession of changes from one side biped to the 
other, resulting in the active swaying and balancing of the body 
with a sidelong shifting movement, developing in the best 
types, great reach of stride at speed in an easy frictionless man- 
ner, with much force and power of action. 

For horses of this kind use as light and thin shoes as will 
suffice for the protection of the hoofs from concussion in swift 
movements, but no more. They should be concaved on the 
ground surface to make landing secure without spreading or 
sliding, and for the same purpose the hind shoes may have low- 
heel calks, Figs. 107 or 116. In all other points observe the 
order of procedure in leveling the foot, adjusting and nailing the 
shoes, according to conditions noted in connection with perfect 
foot. Chap. IV., Figs. 23 and 27. 

The Racking Horse.— Another acquired gait is called the 



122 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 31. English seated shoe for 
backing or saddle horses and for 
general driving purposes on horses 
having good stong arched feet. 



rack, which is especially 
adapted for saddle horses, 
being a rapid, attractive 
style, graceful and pleasant 
for a rider — though, as horse- 
men know — exacting on the 
stamina of a horse. The 
gait is performed by the ac- 
tion of each lateral biped in 
rotation. The revolution of 
the front feet exhibit a high 
knee action, full of mettle, 
with a hard, almost perpen- 
dicular descent; in conse- 
quence of which there is an 
aptitude in horses of this 
class to overreach and thus strike off' the front shoes by the for- 
ward thrust of the hind feet. 

The objects to be looked to in shoeing the racking horse 
are to provide a secure footing and avoid unnecessary concussion 
or the mischance of picking up stones. The shoes for the front 
feet should therefore be of a light concaved pattern, such as the 
English seated shoe shown in Fig. 31, or in case of overreach 
use the scoop-toe rolling-motion shoe. Fig. 89, as this will quicken 
the action of the front limbs ; and for still quicker movement 
over the toe, use a plain roller-motion shoe, such as Fig. 93. 
For the hind feet the addition of heel calks to shoes, as shown 
in Fig. 107, will give a more effective footing by sinking deeper 
into the ground. In all cases, however, the feet should be kept 
strong in all parts and the shoes fitted accurately to a firm po- 
sition on the wall, as for the perfect foot, Fig. 28. 



The General Purpose Horse. — This class of horses may 
be held to include numerous miscellaneous representatives of all 



SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 123 

classes in all sorts and conditions of life : from the sleek, well- 
groomed, and handsomely appointed, light-stepping roadster of 
the successful professional or business man, to the "general 
utility" animals of the coach, omnibus, and livery lines, as well 
as the workaday horses of the common carriers and the sedate 
looking, steady going, well known family carriage horse. 

Thus classified, or grouped, there is enough diversity in 
size, style, and general character of performance to apparently 
tax the ingenuity of the shoeing smith; yet there is nothing 
formidable in this array after all, and all may be treated with 
great ease and simplicity, though with that regard and atten- 
tion which each ma}' seem to demand. The same process of 
shoeing as appertains to my formula for the perfect foot, and 
the same shoe as shown in that connection (Fig. 27) applies 
here, and may be followed with general success throughout, as 
this shoe will prove most serviceable for all horses going at a 
"jog trot," especially for summer wear on the front feet. I 
would not recommend the promiscuous use of calks on shoes, 
for where such cramps seem of use to the support of a horse by 
the impression they make in the surface, it will be seen from my 
method of shoeing race horses, where the frog comes to the 
ground, notwithstanding the course they run over is often slip- 
pery and they are up to their speed, yet they seldom fall, and 
this style of even, plain shoeing, would seem to be well calcu- 
lated to answer for the same purposes generally. Still, when toe 
and heel calks are required, it is well to state that the toe calks 
should be of good length, set slightly back from the front rim 
of the shoe, as this will assist the easy going over at that point 
without deviation or hindrance to the action. 

The Draft Horse. — Dropping from the higher types to 
the draft horses we still find that conditions of environment 
have given to the different breeds of this class their own char- 
acteristic ways of going. The true gait of the draft horse is 



124 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

the walk, though the candidate for the best honors must show 
that he can go faster than a walk when necessary, but still main- 
tain his legs in such a position as to enable him to exert the 
maximum of his strength as occasion may require. A typical 
instance may be selected from the Clydesdale family, whose 
long continued use in the heavy soil of Scotland has caused him 
to lift his feet squarely up, flex his ankle joints deeply, turning 
the sole of his feet squarely up, and then, with a long swinging 
stride, implant them on the earth again, indicative of his perfect 
ability to carry or draw the burden to be thrown upon him. The 
hocks of draft horses should not be carried too wide apart, for 
that detracts from their power (resulting from muscular fatigue) 
in the exertions consequent on heavy hauling. That the feet 
of such horses should be strong and healthy, with firm hardness 
of hoofs, will be readily inferred from a consideration of their 
important, special uses as supports, from whence proceeds, as 
the base of action, whatever there is of bodily strength or physi- 
cal power to work or strive " with might and main " within the 
sphere assigned them. Yet how frequently do we see horses of 
this class with weak, tender feet, marked by mishaps from care- 
less exposure to irregular, hard, loose bodies upon which their 
heavy tread may chance to fall, or lame from the lodgment of 
flints and pebbles between the sole and shoe, to which the cus- 
tomary method of shoeing greatly contributes by paring down 
the sole and frog, and weakening the heel by opening up the 
space between the angles of the bar and wall, and then setting 
the toe and heels too high from the ground, otherwise removing 
them too great a distance from the point of support, which tends 
all the more to an excess of pressure upon the cofiin-joint, as 
well as to the fatigue of the nerves and tendon upon which it 
rests, by the distention they undergo at every step the horse 
takes. It is not to be supposed that teamsters, traffic-men or 
farmers give their horses' feet the particular attention given to 
the higher class of racing and pleasure horses, but they can most 



SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 125 

assuredly give them common-sense care, and this will often spare 
unnecessary punishment to, or save the life of, a useful and val- 
uable animal. 

" Experience keeps a dear school," but a wise man will 
learn to profit by the mistakes of others, and this particular ad- 
vantage everyone may reap from the foregoing references to the 
present subject of inquiry, namely, to keep your horses' feet 
strong as nature made them, level and balance them as I have 
sufficiently pointed out and amply explained under the head of 
" Practical Horseshoing." Pare away as little of the sole, frog, 
and bars, as possible, to accomplish this end in the proper way, 
then adjust as plain and light a shoe as accurately to the hoof 
as may be done, and, lastly, fasten it on with no larger nor more 
nails than are judged sufficient to make it secure in position for 
a reasonable length of time ; and I will guarantee on the strength 
of long years of experience and close observation, that ttie fruit- 
ful source from which arise the many dangerous compressions, 
inflammations, etc., already mentioned, will be obviated, and 
you will have learned, w^ithout the aid of other tutor, the great 
scientific lesson of rational horseshoeing. 

But though this method may not be so generally adopted 
by all in its utmost extent, for the reasons previously announced, 
that from the difl:erent formation of horses' hoofs, which in some 
will always demand a particular method of shoeing, yet it un- 
doubtedly applies to the majority of horses generally met with, 
and the exceptions remain to be further noted. 

The shoes for draft horses should be only moderately heavy, 
not too thick, and as narrow in their covering as the case admits, 
so as not to endanger the elasticity of the sole. 

Figs. 32 and 33 indicate the patterns usually adopted for 
front and hind feet respectively, showing four nails on each 
side exactly opposite one another, to do the best service with the 
least injury. Toe and heel calks are in general vogue for shoes 
of this kind, and they should always be of equal height and low 



126 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




as possible — the lower the 
better for the ease and 
safety of the horse. The 
expediency of calks may 
sometimes be questioned 
especially on the front 
feet, howsoever conveni- 
ent or successful they may 
be in respect to the hold 
they secure, for they ag- 
gravate the inequalities of 
bearing and deprive the 
feet of liberty of accom- 
modation, and work in- 
juries to the freedom of 
the locomotory apparatus 
as previously mentioned. 

Resort to toe clips, 
and burning them into the 
hoof to assist in the retention of the shoe, is often productive 
of injury to and soreness in the foot — as I shall illustrate further 
along — but when applied 
they should be carefully 
turned up with reference to 
these effects, and also in line 
with the angle of the hoof, 
using a knife to notch the 
hoof where they are to be 
buried. 

By the method of shoe- 
ing proposed in connection 
with Fig. 27, and since re- 
ferred to according to the 
perfection or imperfection of Fig. 33. hind foot shoe for draft horse. 



Fig. 32. front foot shoe for draft horse. 

A, A, B, B, Figs. 32 and 33, Lines showing 
the equal adjustment of shoe to the normal 
center of foot from heel to toe and across 
quarters, thus placing the weight upon the 
right portions of the foot and the shoe under 
the right weight bearers. 




SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 127 

the hoofs under consideration, it will be seen that the advan- 
tages arising from the plain and simple processes recommended 
are, that the free action of the extremities in going with ease is 
preserved, hy not setting on any more iron than is necessary ; 
and that in not removing the frog, the foot rests more evenly 
from toe to heel, thus multiplying its points of support and 
giving it a stronger and more adherent landing, without lessen- 
ing the surface of ground tread nor yet increasing its friction 
or fatiguing the stride. 

It is observable that a horse goes easy or escapes soon being 
jaded if the frog receives a certain amount of pressure, as it is 
the supporting cushion to the back tendons, also defending the 
sensitive sole against many inconvenient bruises, so that if it is 
kept at a distance from the ground by high heels or by paring 
it away, an inordinate distension of the tendons will happen, 
causing relaxations, swellings and soreness, which are occasioned 
more by paring the sole and frog than by hard driving or the 
distance traveled. Experience has shown that the frog, being 
of a soft, flexible substance, by its natural elasticity, yields to the 
weight of the horse the instant his foot touches the ground, and 
immediately recovers itself again, thus giving a natural expan- 
sion to the foot with every step taken. When contracted feet 
have to be expanded, the most simple, safe, and at the same 
time, eifective means of attaining that end is to be found in this 
action of the frog. An overgrowth of hoof, that is, high heels 
and long toes, displaces the normal balance of the foot and bear- 
ings of the joints, and causes contraction, weakness and a curl 
under at one or both sides of the heels, forcing the foot bones 
upward — twisting the coronet — producing malformation of the 
wall and an atrophied condition of the internal parts from de- 
fect of nourishment and loss of strength caused by pressure of 
the hoof; all of which defections may be entirely averted if the 
foot is properly dressed as directed. Or before becoming perma- 
nently established, they may be overcome if the foot is leveled 



128 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

and balanced so as to restore frog pressure, when the latter 
speedily recovers its lost characteristics and, again, in a healthy 
condition, gradually and naturally accomplishes one of the very 
purposes for which it was put there. 

However, there may be cases whereby sudden frog pressure 
might occasion soreness for the time being, when it is still hard 
and dry, or when a horse has worn shoes for a long time, having 
thick, high heels ; but by leveling the frog on a line with the 
hoof when preparing the foot to its proper bearing angle as di- 
rected this disorder is soon remedied. 

Proportions of the Hoof. — It is apparent from the anatomy 
of the foot that there is a fixed limit beyond which the growth of 
the hoof should not proceed, though this growth is, in itself, con- 
stant or indefinite, enlarging the base of the hoof as it proceeds. 
In a natural, unshod state, attrition or wear by the strain of the 
animal's mere weight is sufiicient to keep the hoof in such size 
and condition that-the balancing of the body is properly distrib- 
uted upon the digital regions, thus obviating the impairment 
and lameness which result from improper shoeing, as well as the 
premature breaking down of horses through the overgrowth 
and unbalancing of their hoofs. 

No definite rate can be assigned to the growth of the hoof, 
as some develop more rapidly than others and in different parts, 
though it is claimed by some writers that it requires a year to 
renew a complete wall. The toes of the fore feet and the heels 
of the hind feet are relatively the thickest and strongest parts 
of the wall, and consequently the growths there are more marked 
than at the quarters. In a naturally well-proportioned horse the 
ground tread of the fore feet is longer from heel to toe by from 
f in. to 1 in. than across the quarters, and in the hind feet from 
1^ in. to 1^ in. 

These is no use in mincing matters for the more one knows 
about shoeing, the more he knows that the common mode of 



SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 129 

doing the work is so frequently destructive, that we seldom meet 
with a horse whose feet have not in some degree lost their natu- 
ral form, and this deviation from their original shape is gener- 
ally proportioned to the length of time he has worn shoes. We 
may learn from this that the horse in a state of bondage is a 
subject fit for our gravest consideration and worthy of every care 
and attention that we can bestow. Certainly it is true that this 
applies with particular directness to the matter of shoeing, where 
extra precaution should be adopted and intelligent observation 
maintained, in order to guard against unnecessary punishment, 
and secure the best results. 

Resetting the Shoes. — It not infrequently happens that 
horses go lame from an overgrowth of hoof by allowing the 
shoes to remain on too long. A false economy about shoeing 
bills on the part of the owner — by persisting in the continuance 
of shoes on his horse after they have been outgrown by the 
hoof — is wrong and unreasonable, as the infliction of an unnec- 
essary punishment. Under ordinary circumstances and condi- 
tions of hoof growth the general purpose and draft horse should 
have his feet adjusted and shoes reset every four weeks, and on 
the track or speed horse, every two weeks to preserve the nec- 
essary harmony of action and balance in the foot. 

Owing to the fact that the hind feet differ from the front 
ones in shape, operation, and mode of growth, a dififerent method 
of shoeing should be applied to them. The action of the hind 
limbs, as previously outlined, carries the sweep of the feet nearer 
the ground, and the lighter force of weight in these parts gives 
less fixity to the tread ; hence, it follows, that calks are less ob- 
jectionable on the hind shoes, as they tend to keep a horse from 
sliding on a descent, and secure the footing by a deeper clutch 
on the ground. Calks, however, should. be rather flat and the 
shoes generally narrower in the web than the front ones (though 

stifiF enough to insure substantial form) as a better grip is thus se- 
9 



130 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

cured in the act of sprine:ing, and no loss of power sustained in 
the extension of the stride. The shoes also should be attached 
well back of quarters and heels, as these are the stronger parts 
of the wall ; but in all cases, both front and back shoes should 
follow the exact marginal line of the wall from toe to heels, and 
if any deficiency exists in the length or width of hoof, the shoe 
is the thing to supply it with ; then if the foot is leveled and 
angled aright, the shoe is to maintain the level by being of uni- 
form thickness, and wherever the foot requires to be raised or 
lowered let the shoe be thickened or thinned to suit the emer- 
gencies of the case. 

Comments on the Gait of Speed Horses. — Some inter- 
esting comparisons are suggested by the records of the phenom- 
enal " time beaters " tabulated on page 118. 

Selecting, for an example, the recorded performance of 
Nancy Hanks in 1892, when she trotted a mile on a regulation 
track in the remarkably quick time of 2 minutes and 4 seconds, 
a simple calculation will serve to indicate the rate of speed re- 
quired for its execution. 

The line measure of our standard mile being 1,760 yards or 
5,280 feet, it is seen that in dividing the distance traveled by 
the time expended (reduced to seconds), we have 5,280 feet by 
124 seconds=42i|- feet — or the rate per second traveled by 
Nancy Hanks in the foregoing race. 

By another process the gait of horses or the length of their 
stride will be similarly conveyed. Assuming the stride of the 
horse to measure 16 feet, it will require 330 such strides to com- 
plete the circuit of a mile. If the stride is a rod long (or 16 J 
feet), there will be 320 to the mile ; and if 17 feet in length, the 
number of strides to the mile will be 310^. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC * 131 



CHAPTER VII. 
LAMENESS AND DISEASES OF THE FOOT- 

PATHOLOGICAL SHOEING. 

We can scarcely overestimate the value of sound legs and 
feet in the horse, and having their condition and efficiency for 
a subject, it also naturally follows that the pathology of these 
organs becomes a special topic for inquiry, for their situation and 
uses naturally expose them to a greater liability to injury and 
disease than any other portion of the animal organization. 

The advantages to be derived from a safe and scientific 
mode of shoeing in the treatment of many of the varied troubles 
to which the feet and legs of horses are constantly subject, are 
attracting more attention among horsemen than formerly, even 
as the results to be obtained from such treatment are their own 
best proof of the merits of the agency employed, which need 
but to be seen and understood to be indorsed by all. It is the 
verdict of experience that a rational, approved method of shoe- 
ing wnll not only protect the horse's foot from injurious wear, 
and thus prevent the certain damage otherwise ensuing, but act- 
ing on the doctrine that " like cures like," it will transmute the 
evils that men do into good, through its instrumentality as a 
corrective for the manifold crimes committed in its name. This, 
in truth, is the legitimate mission of farriery — " preventing, cur- 
ing, or mitigating diseases." Veterinary surgery — indispensable 
though it be as a healing art — is not competent to deai success- 
fully with even the most frequent and familiar of the troubles 
that beset or waylay the horse at almost every footstep, though 
there are only too many cases in which horses are retired to the 
hospital, or unnecessarily subjected to the torture of " fire and 



132 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

blister," while all the fault lies at the bottom of the hoof, in an 
overgrowth of the wall. 

It is of such diseases as have their origin in, or otherwise af- 
fect the feet, and which may be relieved or cured by rational 
methods of shoeing, that I purpose treating under this head. 

The different character of the diseases as manifested by dis- 
organized structures or deformities of the foot and h6of, are 
illustrated by typical specimens carefully drawn and selected 
from many similar examples which I have in my possession — the 
collection of years spent in such research — which form a com- 
plete exhibition of the morbid efiects resulting from neglect, 
abuse, and improper management of the horse's foot. 

Many foot troubles, when allowed to exist by neglect, or 
when improperly treated, are oftentimes obstinate and difficult 
of cure, or are productive of permanent injury or total disabil- 
ity ; others yield readily to a seasonable application of proper 
remedies, and may thus be completely overcome and the foot 
restored to perfect strength and vigor. 

Most generally the nature of the symptoms, as shown on 
the joints, tendons or coronet, are directly traceable to an im- 
properly shod or unbalanced foot, and the eye trained to recog- 
nize such tokens will be quick to note that there are no existing 
conditions in the limb that will make it possible for them to find 
birth in it, and as ready to know that all there is to be done is 
to have a competent farrier straighten the foot, and shoe it ac- 
cordingly, to restore the natural conditions and functions of the 
locomotory apparatus. 

Causation of Diseases. — It is estimated that 75 per cent 
of all the diseases that horse-flesh is heir to, are due to the so- 
called "necessary evils" of shoeing, and it is found that most 
of this long category arises from a disregard of the primary prin- 
ciples of establishing a level footing for the horse to go upon. 
Hence I find myself incessantly repeating again and again that 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 133 

the first and last object of attention — the source and center of 
success in farriery — is to bring the feet to a perfectly level bear- 
ing, so that they will point straight and true in line with the 
limbs, and the action of locomotion will be performed with easy 
continuous regularity like the movement of a pendulum. By 
keeping this principle steadily in view, I feel assured that I have 
done more for the improvement of the strength and perfection 
of the horse's foot than could have been done by learning all 
the mysteries of the veterinary school. Without it, all the soak- 
ing tubs, bandages, liniments, etc., are so much time and money 
wasted. 

Though the first condition of incipient trouble has thus been 
pointed out and evidently proved, the matter does not end here, 
for an uneven and unbalanced hoof — high heels or long toes or 
inequalities in height of wall, which displace the natural angle 
of the foot — is, after all, not difficult to detect when knowing 
how and where to look for them, and may easily be regulated by 
any one who will attentively consider the principles of adjust- 
ment as defined in connection with the use of the instruments, 
Chapter IV. 

If the heels are allowed to grow too high the greater part 
of the weight is thrown forward upon the toe and bony struct- 
ures of the limb, and the bones of the foot are forced forward 
against the wall in front. Inflammation of the foot and soreness 
in the joints and bones soon follow. If the toes, on the contrary, 
are allowed to grow too long, then the excess of weight is thrown 
upon the back part of the foot and the flexor tendons become 
sore, strained or ruptured. If one heel or quarter is permitted 
to grow higher than the other, the high side will receive the first 
jar in landing, which bruises the heel on that side and causes 
inflammation and corns. The hoofs, therefore, must be pared 
or dressed in such a way that the weight of the animal will be 
equally distributed upon the ball of the foot between the bonea 



134 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

and flexor tendons, in accordance with the instructions given 
for leveling and balancing the feet, as described in Chap, IV. 

The use of toe and heel calks will also produce soreness or 
lameness in fast horses by their uncertain or unequal contact 
with rough, stony pavements, causing a side rocking or tilting 
motion in the limb, racking the joints of the foot which are not 
capable of much lateral motion. 

Another cause that is generally overlooked is the attachment 
of shoes with an unequal number of nails on either side of its 
branches. For example, if four nails are used on the outside 
and only three on the inside branch of the shoe, the inner side, 
with the least number of nails being less permanently fixed, 
yields to the outside more firmly seated on the unyielding 
shoe, and thus by growth and tension the inner side (with less 
nails), is gradually forced in or under the leg, while the outer 
side (with more nails), is correspondingly carried outward and 
away from its normal center and thus the hoof becomes de- 
formed and its movements deranged. Then, by a reversal of the 
above arrangement, that is to drive four nails on the inner side 
of the shoe and only three on the outer, the process will in two 
or three shoeings, return the foot to its natural form and straight 
position by the same means and in the same manner through 
which it had lost them. This demonstrates the necessity of 
shoeing according to the principles already defined — having the 
nails alike on both sides and set opposite each other, as directed 
with Fig. 27. 

Locating the Lameness. — No horseman or farrier need be 
told the eftects of splints, sidebones, curbs, spavins or ringbones, 
or how they make themselves known by the condition of the 
organs to which they extend. Hence I shall not now attempt 
to define their symptoms, as they will be succinctly dealt with 
hereafter, but confine the present inquiry to a search for more 
obscure conditions which may attack the foot, while having their 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 135 

location elsewhere, or otherwise appear in remote regions when 
the foot itself is at fault. 

The nicest observation is sometimes demanded to identify 
and locate the causes which produce certain derangements of 
the locomotory apparatus, where a horse is said to " go sore," or 
exhibits signs of tenderness. Simple or severe lameness, where 
the condition of disabled functions is plainly manifested by the 
animal refusing to use an injured leg, or to bear any or an equal 
portion of its weight upon a disabled foot, may easily be de- 
tected ; but mere tenderness or soreness is more difficult to lo- 
cate. Serious results may at times follow from the obscurity 
enveloping the early stages of many foot ailments, for in the 
absence of early treatment, which a correct diagnosis would have 
given, they may easily develop into more complicated maladies 
or become transformed into chronic, incurable cases. Hence the 
importance of early symptoms, how they betray themselves, and 
what region or structure is affected. 

A little observation on the part of the driver will readily 
detect any irregularity or change in the movement of his horse, 
but just where lies the fault is not so easily determined. If the 
horse is trotted slowly down hill and shows more evident signs ■ 
of lameness than when going on the level, it is an indication of 
high or bruised heels ; again, if more distress is shown in going 
up the grade, long toes are the probable cause. Soreness of the 
shoulder muscles is also betrayed in a dragging movement of 
the toes when going up hill. 

In case these preliminaries are not conclusive, lose no time 
in turning the horse over to some competent farrier. The next 
proceeding is naturally the removal of the horse's shoes to ex- 
amine the soles and hoofs all around, for nail pricks or punc- 
tured wounds and external injuries or bruises of any kind. 
Having closely observed these parts and settled their connection 
with any symptoms of lameness, proceed to examine for internal 
soreness by using my foot testers (Fig, 144), to compress the 



136 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

lower margin of the wall all around, from toe to heel as high as 
the nail holes. If there is any soreness in this region the horse 
will flinch or shrink from the pressure, but if nothing is mani- 
fested in this way continue the same process up around the cor- 
onet by gripping it between the base of the hoof in the jaws of 
the tester, same as before. Then if the cause of the trouble or 
its seat still remains in doubt, pursue the investigation to other 
regions of the limb or trunk as recommended for " modification 
of action," page 106. 

Laminitis, or Founder. — Under this double head is ex- 
pressed one of the most insidious of all foot ailments. The 
former gives " a local habitation and a name " to the disease as 
applied to the laminar tissues, while the other recognizes it more 
in effect as indicating the " sinking " or falling of the foot 
structures or the failure of their functional activity as implied 
by the word " foundered," by which name the malady is most 
familiarly known. Its particular character is an inflammation 
of the sensitive laminae, and its- general symptoms are so well 
manifested by the impairment of the bodily vigor and power of 
locomotion, or weakness and stifihess in the limbs, accompanied 
with signs of acute pain which the suftering animal attempts to 
relieve by disposing his weight on the sound members, that its 
presence is not easily mistaken. It may be confined to a limited 
region, or it may involve the entire tissue of one or all four 
feet, though the front feet are the ones most affected. Various 
causes are assigned as productive of this disease, such as drink- 
ing too freely of cold water while overheated, rapid changes 
from heat to cold by exposure to cold wind, rain, or washing the 
feet and legs in cold water when the animal has been violently 
exercised or is exhausted by work, over-exertion and at times 
over-feeding of certain grain, especially corn ; bad shoeing is 
also — here as elsewhere — a prevalent factor by paring out and 
weakening the foot, or by applying high heeled shoes, etc. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 137 

Primary or Passive Stage. — The early stages of this dis- 
order may consist only of a simple congestion of the sole tissues, 
but as it develops rapidly, if suffered to run its course, the mor- 
bid process will involve other regions in its destructive changes, 
and severe lameness — extremely difficult of cure — or entire 
physical disability will result. The most prompt and efficacious 
treatment should therefore be resorted to at the first symptoms 
of an oncoming attack, as the conditions are then favorable for 
speedy relief, and the disease may be checked or cured in one 
or two days' time. 

When the evidences of soreness or weakness appear, or the 
horse stumbles and shifts his gait by declining to use his feet in 
the natural way, have the farrier remove his shoes and pare the 
sole of the foot thin, that the resistance of the horn may not 
obstruct the after measures, then lightly replace the shoes by 
tacking them on with two nails on each side. Cover the body, 
neck and legs warmly with several blankets (strapping them on 
closely all around) and place the feet in tubs of warm water — 
heated to a good temperature — which should be kept so by re- 
placing the water as it cools with a warm supply, as in this 
way the return flow of blood will be increased. Warm drinks 
are also recommended to stimulate internal circulation, the con- 
gestion will be overcome or re-absorbed, and by continuing this 
treatment for twenty-four hours, the symptoms will subside and 
the normal functions be practically restored without disorgani- 
zation. 

Acute stage Villitis. — When this form of congestion 
spreads or progresses into a more acute stage it is attended with 
more evidences of soreness and lameness, evidenced by greater 
unwillingness of the animal's movements as well as by the vari- 
ous positions which it carefully assumes in attempting to allevi- 
ate the distress of weight on the inflamed member. This sec- 
ondary or extended stage is known as villitis, because it is prin- 



138 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

cipally confined to the villous tissue of the sensitive sole ; but the 
point of greatest sensation, is naturally, in the region of the toe, 
where the sole and laminal tissues blend into each other; which 
increases the vessels of that part, hence the sensitive laminae 
may also become congested or inflamed. The treatment for these 
acute cases is the same as for the more passive cases above pre- 
scribed, and usually the symptoms will pass away or recovery 
be accomplished within a comparatively short space of time. 

Imperfect recoveries, however, naturally impair the secre- 
tive powers of the sensitive sole, and thus renders it liable to 
after etfects, which may be obviated if properly managed. 

Chronic or Violent Stage. — True laminitis is the sequel 
of the progressive development or culmination of the acute 
stage, when the inflammation becomes general throughout the 
laminae and the tendency to injurious changes of the structures 
become more marked. When this stage of the disease is reached, 
the symptoms are greatly increased and the distress of the animal 
correspondingly intensified. The inability to support weight 
often causes it to lie down, and constitutional disturbance by loss 
of appetite and feverish restlessness are attendant character- 
istics of this phase of the disease. 

The vital connection which these laminse sustain to the en- 
tire animal economy and their situation between the horny hoof 
and the bony structures of the foot, necessarily renders any com- 
pression or inflammation of them one of peculiar injury and 
suffering to the horse. When thus affected they are no longer 
able to perform the function of weight bearers, their power of 
withstanding the work imposed on them is lessened, and the 
pressure upon them gradually weakens and destroys their at- 
tachment to the hoof, letting the bones descend upon the sole, 
resulting in that condition of helplessness and disability known 
as " founder." This indicates that when laminitis becomes 
firmly established or deep rooted, various complications are 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



139 




inevitable. Other organs 
are invaded, the parts af- 
fected become useless and 
the animal either becomes 
an incurable cripple or is 
soon relieved by death. 

This illustration gives 
a correct impression of 
the ravages of laminitis, 
when its processes con- 
tinue to the chronic stage, 
whereby the joints, ten- 
dons and other structures 
of the foot are alike in- 
volved and their functions 
impaired. The disease 
has destroyed the laminal 
connections, a forced sep- 
aration of the parts has 
turned or dished the hoof, 
and depressed the coffin- 
bone upon the sole, which 
has thus become weak, 
thin, and bulged or drop- 
ped downward. The space between the bone and hoof being 
filled with a fungous deposit resembling honey-comb. 

In dressing a foot of the kind shown in Fig. 34, it is first 
necessary to foreshorten the toe as much as can be safely done 
without injury, by rasping around the front and sides and tak- 
ing out the " dish," and restoring the hoof to its natural shape 
as far as possible. In feet of this kind, the sole is thin and weak, 
hence care must be taken that it is not cut or pared in any 
way around the point of the frog. When leveling the wall for 
the shoe, commence at the heels and lower both sides as much 



Fig. 34. median section of a " found- 
ered " FOOT, SHOWING THE SEVERE EFFECTS 
OF CHRONIC LAMINITIS. 

• 

A, Coffin- or pedal-bone. B, Navicular 
bone. C, Lower pastern. D, Upper pas- 
tern bone. E, Sesamoid. F, Lower end of 
cannon bone. G, Horny sole. H, Plantar 
cushion. K, Velvety tissue or sensitive 
sole. M, Wall, dished or turned up toe. 
N, Laminal tissue — the seat of laminitis. 
O, Fungous growth. P, Extensor tendon. 
R, Flexor perforatus. S, Flexor perforans. 



140 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 35. front foot shoe for dropped 
soles and fob flat, weak soled feet. 



as can be safely done, and 
this operation must be 
carried forward toward 
the quarters. In some 
cases where the sole is 
badly dropped, it will be 
found impossible to get 
more than two and one 
half to three inches level 
bearing for the shoe. 
When the foot is thus 
prepared apply the style 
of shoe shown in Fig. 
35. 



A, Bevel on toe from calk to outer rim. 

B, Long toe calk set back from front. 



By having the toe 
set well back on the shoe, 
the center of gravity will 
fall more directly under the bearing of the foot and leg 
bones, and thus the strain will be partly taken off' the weak- 
ened laminse. If the foot be too wide at the heels and quar- 
ters, clips should be drawn up on both sides of the shoe, opposite 
the wings of the coffin-bone, that the hoof may be retained from 
further expansion. Clips are not to be used in front; bevel the 
front part of the shoe at the toe on the ground surface in order 
to prevent the horse from stumbling or tripping. Reset the 
shoes every three weeks, by lowering the heels again, and, in 
four or five shoeings, the sole will return to its natural concave 
form. Do not file or rasp the new growth. 

The shoe being nailed solidly at the heels, it will be readily 
seen that the front part being released, and an open space inter- 
vening between the foot and the shoe, the foot will press down 
to meet the shoe at every step which the horse takes forward, 
and just in proportion as the foot springs down, the sole will be 
returned to its natural cup-like form. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



141 




Fig. 36. side view of hoof showing 
the effects of springing the shoe off 

THE HEEL. 

A, Lower margin of horny frog. B, Side 
or quarter of wall. C, Cavity for the cor- 
onary cushion. D, Shoe on the hoof. 



DROPPED SOLE CAUSED BY BAD SHOEING. 

Three views from a single specimen. 

The illustrations on 
this and the following page 
are typical examples of 
the condition of a found- 
ered foot, or dropped sole 
resulting from bad shoe- 
ing. 

Springing the shoes 
off the heels, thereby 
breaking down the quar- 
ters will cause such effects, 
especially in large draft 
horses that have low, 
broad heels, and Figs. 36 
and 37 show an instance 
of this kind. It is plain 
that such style of shoeing 
must prove disastrous in 
the extreme, whereas if 
the shoe had been fitted so 
that the heels would have 
corresponded with the 
dotted lines F, F, F, F, 
Fig. 37, the trouble would 
have been avoided. The 
excessive width of this 
foot as compared with its 
length from toe to heel in- 
dicates that the quarters 
have been broken down, 
the heels worn low and 




Fig. 37. bottom view of same hoof. 

A, Cleft of frog. B, Horny frog. C, 
Commissures. D, Bars. F, F, F, F, Dotted 
lines showing where the shoes ought to have 
been fitted to cover the quarters and heels. 
E, E, Bulge of heels pressed through shoe 
by too wide fitting. G, G, Lower face of 
hornv sole. 



142 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig 



SIDE VIEW OF COFFIN-BONE OUT OF 

THE FOOT, Figs. 36 and 37. 



become bruised and 
curled under or bulged 
below the shoe, and 
low heels will produce 
a "wheel" foot, such 
as shown in Fig. 36. 
Fig. 38 shows the coffin- 
bone from same foot 
much distorted from its original form by the effects of faulty 
shoeing, as well as of disease resulting from the same. 

Peditis is the term applied to this serious complication of 
laminitis, where not only the laminee but the periosteum and 
the coffin-bone are also subject to the inflammatory Drocess 
which sometimes involves the coffin-joint. 

Depression of the coffin-bone is oftentimes accompanied 
with suppuration, where the separation of the reticulum from 
the bone takes place, and gangrene and superficial caries are 
common results. 

The destructive efiects of this disease upon the internal 
structure of the foot are well displayed in this drawing. The 
bone has become much distorted from its original form, from 
the pressure of the part constantly under weight when the sole 
has become dropped ; the upper surface has " dished," as it 
were, or fallen in, until only one half its original height, while 
an immense number of small spines or thorn-like spurs have 
grown all over it, and the lower part of the bone has convexed 
in an extreme degree, bulging down until it had lost all sem- 
blance of its original shape. 

In a preceding chapter instructions have been laid down for 
the management and shoeing of the feet of draft horses, and 
if they are carefully followed the most satisfactory results will 
be obtained. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



143 



In paring and dressing such a foot as shown here, the oper- 
ation must be the reverse of that described in Fig. 34, that is 
the height or depth of toe being excessive in this case, it must 
be reduced as much as possible, and the heels left intact. The 
shoe bearings then, thus obtained, being around the front part 
of the shoe, use shoe Fig. 35, but nail around the toe instead of 
at the heels. Or it may be necessary to resort to a bar shoe for 
restoring the foot, but this will depend on the judgment of the 
farrier. 

Seedy Toe. — Among 
the complicated eflects 
of chronic laminitis is 
a peculiar dessication 
of the hoof commonly 
known as " Seedy Toe." 
This condition is well 
represented by the ap- 
pearance of Fig. 39, in 
which is also seen the 
evidences of neglect in dressing and leveling the foot. In this 
specimen the wall is twice its natural thickness on the side in 
view, it will be noticed that it is also scarred and seamed with 
rough ridges — due to irregular secretion of horn — while the heel 
is abnormally high, the sole being fully 1^ inches too thick, and 
the toe turns up from an overgrowth at least two inches too 
long. Laminitis does not always involve the whole of the leafy 
tissue — even in the present instance — the morbid process appears 
to have destroyed only certain regions, where the leaves take on 
a regular honey-combed appearance, while other portions pre- 
sent a comparatively sound and healthy structure. But in most 
cases it develops rapidly, and if unchecked, continues to spread 
until the entire region is involved, with structural changes of 
the most serious character. 




Fig. 39. specimen of seedy toe. 



144 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



For a foot affected in this manner, pare the hoof level and 
as low as possible, rasp the wall thin from coronet to ground 
surface, and get the hoof back near as may be to its natural 
shape. If there is any tenderness in the sole it must be protected 
by using a plain, flat, broad-webbed shoe, well concaved on the 
sole-bearing surface, the nail holes to be punched where the foot 
is least affected, and the shoes reset every two or three weeks. 
It is diflicult to describe any particular style of shoe to meet the 
emergencies of such cases, and the farrier must judge what is 
best. Cold water bandages around the coronet will assist in 
keeping the horn moist and allaying fever and pain. 

Fig. 40 illustrates 
the further ravages 
of chronic laminitis, 
in which its destruc- 
tive effects (coupled 
with the mismanage- 
ment of the foot) are 
perhaps more plainly 
discernible. In this 
instance the heels 
have been allowed to 
grow to such an ex- 
tent as to raise them 
far above their nor- 
mal position. The 
normal angle of the 
heel from the ground 
surface to the coronet is the same as the angle of the front part of 
the foot from toe to coronet. In proportion, however, as the 
toe lengthens, just so much will the angle of the ground surface 
of the foot be carried forward, as seen in the above diagram, 
which shows the growth at the back of the quarters to be of 
unusual height, raising the heels up out of their natural angle. 




Fig. 40. another example of seedy toe. 

A, A, Angle of hoof as it stands, 34 degrees. 
B, B, Line to which surplus growth of front wall 
should be removed. C, Cavity for coronary cush- 
ion. D, Horny laminae. E, E, Line to which 
surplus growth should be removed at base. E, J, 
Indicating how much heels will be lowered by 
reducing the base of hoof. P, Point to which 
coffin-bone was wasted. G, Normal extent of 
coffin-bone. H, Line indicating front angle of 
coffin-bone to be 75 degrees (should be 50). I, G, 
Line to which coffin-bone will conform when 
hoof is reduced as directed. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



145 




and, as the heels are raised up, just so much the heels of the 

coffin-bone are elevated, and the point of the bone is pressed 

forward against the front part of the foot, preventing the action 

of the secretive powers, bringing on inflammation, burning and 

scalding, and destroying the life of the foot, causing what is 

called seedy toe. In shoeing a foot of this description, great 

care must be taken that none of the sole be removed around the 

point of the frog. Remove the surplus growth from quarters to 

heel as shown by line, E, E. By removing surplus growth the 

heels wnll be lowered 

as shown from E to 

J, and the pressure 

will be relieved on 

point of coffin-bone. 

Remove the surplus 

growth in front to 

the line B, B, after 

which the foot will 

be placed upon its 

natural angle of 46 

degrees. Compare 

this foot with Fig. 

41. As the sole will 

be quite tender and sore at the point of the frog, the shoe must 

be well concaved around the front. Use shoe shown in Fig. 35. 

Rivet leather at the heels, letting it extend all over the shoe. 

Take fat pickled pork out of the brine, and cutting in slices, cover 

the bottom of the foot well, and then nail on the shoe slightly. 

Afterward stand the horse in a soaking tub of warm water for 

three or four hours. This will melt the pork, and thus assist in 

speedily removing the soreness. Bear in mind to keep the 

pressure off around the point and sides of toe, and thus give 

great freedom to the diseased parts. Keep the soaking swabs 

•around the coronet wet with warm water. Reset the shoes every 
10 



Fig. 41. the same hoof with one side prop- 
erly PARED AND STRAIGHTENED, AS INDICATED BY 
DOTTED LINES IN FIG. 40. 

A, Effects of disease on horny laminae. B, B, 
Correct angle of toe after removal of surplus 
growth as shown — 46 degrees. C, Cavity for cor- 
onary cushion. D, Horny laminje. E, Surplus 
growth to be removed on the opposite side. F, 
Elevation of toe of hoof above shoe, to obviate 
pressure. 



146 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



two or three weeks in order to check or keep down the under- 
growth of heels and quarters. 

I have often taken feet when the coffin-bone had worn 
through the sole at its point, and by the above treatment have 
restored them to their normal condition, and they have ever 

afterward remained sound. 

The efi'ects of chronic 

cases of founder or laminitis 
upon the foot are seen in Fig. 
42 ; and not only the foot, 
but every tendon, joint and 
bone from the knee to the foot 
is seriously efiected. These 
evils can be reasonably attrib- 
uted to the want of skillful 
knowledge of horseshoeing and 
of the management of the 
hoof. 

In paring a foot of this 
kind, follow the instructions 
laid down for paring the flat 
foot ; always bearing in mind 
the necessity of getting and 
keeping the foot in its natural 
position. Use shoe described 
in Fig. 35. 

When describing the lateral cartilages in the chapter on 
"The Foot of the Horse," a brief reference was made to certain 
derangements of their natural structure by process of inflamma- 
tion, through which they lose their soft elastic qualities and are 
changed into bone. Fig. 43 represents a typical case of 
the disease mentioned, which is often met with in prac- 
tice, especially in heavy draft horses, though speed and saddle 
horses and also well-bred carriage horses, are not exempt from 




Fig. 42. 



DrSHED FOOT AND DROPPED 
SOLE. 



A, A, Line to which surphis growth 
at toe is to be removed. B,B, Ground 
line to which surplus growth is to be 
reduced from heel to quarter. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



147 




Fig. 43. coffin-bone with supplemental at- 
tachment OP SIDE bone or ossified LATERAL 

cartilage. 



its attacks, and in 
some instances it is 
hereditary. 

There are num- 
bers of conditions 
which may be the 
exciting cause of this 
bony formation ; va- 
rious diseases of the 
foot may occasionally 
involve the connec- 

A, Body of coffin-bone. B, Lower margin of tive tissues, such as 
its wing. C, Side bone or ossified cartilage sur- ,11, , 

mounting the wing. ulcered heels and 

laminitis ; but con- 
traction, violent concussion or injuries, and over distension by 
weight, bad shoeing and unlevel feet are the prevailing causes 
of ossific development. The present example is to be classed 
with others resulting 
from bad shoeing, 
and is the outcome 
of the next morbid 
specimen, here intro- 
duced as a dismal 
relic of perverted 
appliances. 

In this case, the 
distorted condition 
of the hoof — the 
twisted heel and cor- 
rugated coronet — the 
diseased appearance 

of the laminae, and the disorganized character of the whole 
structure generally, are the consistent product of one common 
actor, namely, an uneven ground-bearing of the foot. To still 




Fig. 44. view of the hoof (of right front 
foot) in which the bone (fig. 40) WAS imbedded 
AS indicated, by the distortion of the outside 
heel. 



148 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



further illustrate and explain the subject, I insert here two op- 
posing views of the bones of the front foot and leg in order to 
establish a comparison between the normal and abnormal posi- 
tion of which they are the representations. 



Fig. 45. normal position, front view. 

E, E, Vertical line through axis of 
joints. A, Cannon-bone. B, Upper 
pastern. C, Lower pastern. D, Cof- 
fin-bone. F, F, Inner and outer 
splints. G, G, G, Lower row of knee 
bones. H, H, Upper row. 

The knees and hocks are formed of 
several small bones placed in two 
rows, articulating with the larger bones 
above and below, as shown and de- 
scribed in skeleton. Fig. 2. 




Fig. 46. abnormal position, back 

VIEW. 

A, B, Level to which the foot should 
conform. C, Vertical line locating^ 
center of axis and indicating the dis- 
placement caused by unlevel base 
of foot throwing the weight on the 
outside heel. D, Coffin-bone. E,, 
Navicular. F, Lower pastern. G, 
Upper pastern. H, H, Sesamoids. 
I, Cannon-bone. J, J, Splints (the 
highest one diseased). K, Morbid 
enlargement of upper pastern. L, L,, 
Side bones or ossified cartilages. 



LAMENESS AXl) DISEASES, ETC. 149 

The parallel of these views is self evident, and but little is to 
said in addition to my former observations on leveling and bal- 
ancing the foot. When the bones and joints are in their natural 
relations, as shown in Fig. 45, the precision and accuracy of their 
functional activity is assured. The weight is carried through 
the normal centers of the limbs, the foot rests naturally, with 
every part of the apparatus sustaining its proper share of the 
burden, and when springing from the ground it is in direct line 
with the median plane of the body, and its movement forward 
and back is as regular as the swing of a pendulum. But when 
the ground-bearing of the hoof is uneven, as shown in Fig. 46, 
the incidence of the muscles is misdirected, the bones and their 
articulations are displaced from the extremity of the limb to its 
union with the trunk, and derangement of the entire structure 
is the inevitable result. To simplify the matter by a further de- 
scription of Fig. 46, it is seen that the base of the foot is not 
level with the line below, and that this deflects the bony column 
out of the perpendicular. Assuming the width of the hoof to 
be four inches, and the distance from the base to the knee to be 
twenty inches, any unevenness, starting at one side or the other of 
the base, increases in the ratio of five to one ; thus, a displacement 
of one-fourth of an inch at the bottom of the foot, %vill amount 
to a displacement of one and one-quarter inches at the knee. Im- 
proper paring of the hoof is of too frequent occurrence, and this 
illustration is only one of the many serious results following 
from a disregard of the first principles of shoeing. Impaired 
nutrition, diminished and obstructed secretion, abnormal growths 
and structural changes are always associated with it. It is im- 
possible for a horse to spring from the ground or land on it in 
a line with the movements of his body unless his feet are straight 
in that direction and level in their bearings, and from a neglect 
in these regards or want of precaution to secure them, arise 
many maladies of joints, bones, tendons, cartilages, laminre, and 
other structures of the feet and les^s. 



150 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 47. outside appear- 



The structural change of cartilage 
into bone arises from a deposit of lime 
salts, and ma}' be of rapid or slow 
growth. The usual symptoms are 
manifested by the presence of fever- 
heat around the affected part, attended 
by more or less soreness, stiffness or 
lameness, and as the change advances 
it will be apparent by enlargement and 
by a sense of hardness to the touch. 
This illustration indicates the general 
appearance of a foot in this condition. 
When thus invaded the tendency is ta 
increase, and no permanent cure can 
ANCE OF SIDE BONES WHEN be effccted as the cartilage tissue can 
DEVELOPED. ^^^^ ^^ rcstored : but in the early stages 

A, Enlargement of carti- of the disorder the calcification may 
lage transformed into bone. . t i i i • i • ^ 

B, Its effect shown by bulge he arrested and the thickenmg re-ab- 

of wall at heel. C, C, Ab- sorbed by the application of a sweat 

normal height of heels. ■, t . m • a.- 

_, T. ^ . f • ] v, bhster. ihere are many variations 
D, Extension of side bone -^ 

over pastern. E, Prolonga- of side bones, but the front feet are 

tion of side bone over the ^^^^^^ ^-^^^^ ^^ ^^^^.^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ j. 

quarter. 

both cartilages on the same foot are 

attacked at the same time, it is noticeable that they are less liable 

to cause lameness than if but one side is affected. 

My drawings are samples of the development of side bones 
on one side of the foot as a consequence of one heel of the hoof 
being higher or longer — from coronet to base — than the other 
which is provocative of such malformation. 

Where shoeing can be altogether dispensed with it will be 
better for the natural relief of side bones than otherwise, but 
where shoes are necessary they must be made to suit the condi- 
tions of the foot and the nature of the work to be performed. 

In all cases, however, when dressing the foot, follow the di- 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



151 



rections given for the perfect foot, Fig. 23. Tiiis will equalize 
the bearings throughout, then, if the conditions are favorable 
for natural frog pressure, use flat, thin heeled shoes. If only 
one side bone exists, use the three-quarter shoe, Fig. 59, but if 
both sides are alike involved, it is better to insert a simple tip 
around the toe — the object being to place both shoe and nails 
to the best advantage, that all avoidable pressure may be removed 
from the diseased region. Reset the shoes at frequent enough 
intervals to keep the foot true to its natural balance. 

Fig. 48. Thelaminal 
leaves of the horse's foot 
are, as already men- 
tioned, peculiarly sus- 
ceptible to the influ- 
ences of disease, con- 
cussion, injurious burn- 
ing, compression, etc. 
The present subject is 
a characteristic example 
of the evils last named. 
Spurs of the hornv ^^^' ^^' ^^°^ °^ draft horse, indicating 

_ THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF HOT FITTING AND 

laminae arise from ex- clipping. 

ternal compression up- a, Spur of horny laminae, produced by clip 
on toe of the wall, and ^° ^^^e. 

appear upon its inner surface in the form of a hard, callosity of 
varying thickness and length. In the above figure the growth 
has extended the full length of the leaves, imbedding itself 
against the cofiin-bone, which has wasted away as this extra- 
neous growth proceeded. Fig. 49 is a view of the lower 
face of same hoof and completes the story of the case. It shows 
a severely contracted quarter and heel on one side, and a large 
surplus growth around the front of the other, and all over its 
surface are the visible signs of hot fltting and bad shoeing. The 
bars and frog have been pared away and the strength of the 




152 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




foot destroyed, together with 
its balance. In a natural foot 
the frog is the right dividing 
line from heel to toe, but in 
this case the narrow or con- 
tracted side was forced to ac- 
cept two-thirds of the whole 
weight, as indicated by its rela- 
tive proportions. 

From obstruction to its 
secretions, the sole was deprived 
of its elastic properties, and 
the entire hoof was similarly 
exhausted and reduced to a 
hard, dry condition through- 
out. 

Compare with Fig. 2f3 and 
remove the surplus growth of 
the full side and supply any lack of ground tread on the con- 
tracted side by carrying the web of the shoe wide enough to 

cover out the de- 
ficiency. 

Figs. 50 and 51 
will serve to still 
further illustrate the 
tendency of hot fit- 
ting and clipping to 



Fig. 49. bottom of same hoof, as in 
fig. 48, showing contraction from 
quarter to heel on one side, and an 
overgrowth from quarter to toe on 
the other. 




Fig. 50. mi 

EFFECTS OF HOT FITTING AND CLIPPING. 

A, Cavity for coronary cushion. B, Leafy tissue ^P^'^ ^^"^^ struct- 
of horny laminae. C, Side of internal fissure. D, ures of the foot. 
Section of bulb of plantar cushion. E, Section of 
horny sole at margin of cofHn-bone. F, Section of 
horny sole at point of frog. G, Section of horny injurious if properly 
frog. H, H, Section of spur of horny laminae. I, ^^^^ Skillful far- 
Fungous deposit at toe. J, Section of wall at toe. 
K, K, Height ot wall at toe, angle 45 degrees. riers can resort to 



lEDIAN SECTION OF HOOB SHOWING FURTHER ^^^^ deStrUCtivcly 



Clipping is not 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



153 




F F 

Fig. 51. upper face of coffin- 
bone, SHOWING EFFECTS OF HOT 
FITTING AND CLIPPING. 



this expedient for a lifetime with- 
out injuiy to the foot ; but in the 
hands of ignorant men, a horse 
shod by this method is subject to 
certain injury. In general I do 
not hesitate to say from practical 
experience that I believe hot fit- 
ting and clipping injurious if the 
feet have lost their proper angle. 
In the endeavor to accommodate 
shoes that are too short for the 
feet for which they are intended, 
ignorant and unskilled farriers a, A, Extensions or wings of 
often cut out the front of the foot heels. B, Eminence on which isin- 
. 1111 serted the extensor tendon. C, C, 

until they draw blood, then burn lateral faces. D, Groove worn 

in the clip so as to stop the flow by spur. E, Depth to which this 

^ 1 1 T ^ ,1 „ groove sometimes extends. P, F, 

oi blood, and worse than all, ^, . . i ■ u 4.u u in 

' ' Margin to which the bone should 

hammer the clip back into the conform. G, G, Articular surface 

<? , of coffin-joint. 

The result of such malpractice is to cause the heat to pene- 
trate into the sensitive parts, dry up the secreting nourishment 
and cause an unnatural compression against the insensitive 
laminse at their union with the sensitive laminse around the 
lower margin of the toe. Fever sets in, drying up and destroy- 
ing the parts under compression, and the formation of a de- 
cayed, pithy, horny substance is the result. 

But in addition to clips, there are many other spur-produc- 
ing causes, which for want of space can not be defined in the 
present work. Mere mention, however, may be made of a few 
that have come under my notice, such as the driving of large, 
thick-bladed nails into thin shells. This, it is true, may not 
lay up the horse, but the spur which will result will make him 



154 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

tender footed, and if not at once remedied, the trouble will in 
time become aggravated. In a word, any improper manage- 
ment of the foot tending to produce an unnatural compression 
of the insensitive and sensitive laminae, thereby destroying or 
preventing the action of the secretive powers, will cause the 
formation of a spur, large or small, which, if not attended to, 
will in the end develop to the great injury of the foot and the 
horse. I have in my possession many specimens of hoofs in 
which spurs are present, and an examination of them will show 
conclusively the cause of the spur in each case. 

Diagnosis for spur in the toe, and its causes, will show the 
horse to be restless on his front feet, stretching or pointing first 
one foot forward, then the other, and this action always in- 
dicates trouble of some kind in the front part or toe of the 
foot. If a decayed, pithy, horny substance, as shown in Figs. 
48 and 50, be found, it should be probed and cut out as deeply 
as safety will admit, being careful not to draw blood. Fill the 
cavity with my foot salve, prescribed in the latter part of this 
book. Finally apply a shoe suitable for flat feet, care being 
taken to keep the pressure oW the toe, as elsewhere shown. If 
for a draught horse, use shoe, Fig. 35. Dress the foot to uiake 
it conform as near as possible to Fig. 23, and follow the direc- 
tions given for that purpose. It wnll be found impossible to 
straighten the foot at once, as the new grow^th proceeds slowly 
from the coronet. File or rasp the outside crust in front from 
coronet to ground surface, as that will tend to release the in- 
ternal structures from pressure. Apply hot-water bandages 
around the coronet, for the purpose of stimulating a new 
growth. 

Contraction is almost always the result of improper shoeing 
and mismanagement of the foot, primarily due to overgrowth of 
the hoof at toe and heels. At times the shoes remain on too 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



155 




Fig. 52. contracted hoof. 

A, Spur of frog forced above level of coro- 
nary band. B, B, Bars forced above level 
of coronary band. C, C, Abnormal height 
of heel from coronet to ground surface. 



long and the growth of 
hoof becomes excessive, 
or the horse may be al- 
lowed to stand in his stall 
in hot dry weather with- 
out sufheient exercise, 
whereby his feet become 
dry, hard and feverish, 
and such conditions are 
exciting causes of contrac- 
tion, and horses thus af- 
fected are also more apt 
to stumble and cut themselves than would otherwise be the case. 
Fig. 52 shows a contracted hoof pro- 
duced by an abnormally high wall. The 
appearance of the same hoof on its ground 
surface is represented in Fig. 53. The 
base of the hoof had wired together un- 
til the bars and spur of frog were raised 
above the level of the coronary band, 
against which the coffin-bone was also 
compressed by being forced upward, im- 
peding or altogether stopping the func- 
tional activity of the vascular tissues, and 
causing a calcareous deposit or bony 
formation around the coronary cushion, 
producing stiffness in the foot joints. By 
the contraction across the quarters, the 
foot was relatively elongated, the heels 

narrowing and closing the commissures in height of heel at coro- 

• ,■1 4-1^1 J • 1 • net. r, P, Contracted 

With an overgrowth oi sole, and pinchmg ' ' „ ^ 

® ' x- o across quarters. C, Con- 

the frog, as it were in a vise, between the tracted cleft. D, D, Con- 




FlG. 53. LOWER FACE OF 
SAME HOOF. 

A, A, A, A, Abnormal 
height of heels from coro- 
net to base. B, Difference 



bars, destroying all the expansive powers ]I!'''1!\ ^"^^^ f ^ ^'"°°- 
■^ * ^ , ., E, E, Contracted quarter 

of the foot. ^ ■ 



tracted 
E,E, ( 
Contraction may be easily at base. 



156 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



avoided or overcome by proper care of the feet and right meth- 
ods of shoeing. The main feature is to keep the feet as near as 
possible to their natural shape, and this can only be done by 
leveling and balancing them as directed in Chap. lY. 

The complica- 
tions brought about 
by contraction in- 
clude not only the 
eftects visible on the 
external parts of the 
hoof, as shown in 
the preceding Figs. 
52 and 53, but its 
tendency is to work 
many destructive 
changes in the ap- 
paratuses of the in- 
ternal foot, as is 
here partially indi- 
cated by Fig. 54, 
which represents 
the displacement of 

\ r^ oi u -n>--i r^T ^ the bony structures 

A, Comn-bone. B, JNavicular. C, Lower pastern. '' 

D, Upper pastern. E, Lower end of cannon. r,Sec- from such cause. 

tion of velvety tissue. G, Section of wall. H, Sec- ^^en the hoof COn- 

tion of horny sole. I, Section of horny frog. 

K, Fragment of plantar cushion. L, Horny laminte. tracts and wires 

M, Sensitive lamina). N, N, Extensor tendon. |jj;^(3^ej. around the 

O, O, Flexor perforatus. P, P, Flexor perforans. 

R, Sesamoid ligament. S, Sesamoid bone (dotted base, the sole and 

line). T, T, Branching of flexor perforatus. 1, Pyr- fro o" are forced up- 

amid of coffin-bone displaced. 2, Its normal posi- 

tion. 3, Normal position of coffin-joint. ward, together With 

the bones and other 
organs of the foot, until they are all tightly cramped by the 
closing in of the horny box. The unnatural pressure around 
the sole Inflames the various tissues, causing a disease of the 




Fig. 54. median section of foot, showing dis- 
placement CAUSED BY CONTRACTION. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. ]57 

sensitive sole, called villitis, which may diffuse itself to the lam- 
infe, producing laminitis ; and this progressing may involve the 
coronary cushion in a process of hardening and thickening which 
may terminate in coronitis — an ossification of this organ (simi- 
lar to that of the lateral cartilages when side bones are forming)^ 
which maybe plainly felt when examination is made around the 
coronet at the quarters. ISTo definite rule can be given for shoe- 
ing that would cover all cases of contraction ; the farrier must 
be governed by his understanding of the case confronting him. 
Good judgment will direct that the hoof must be reduced and 
pared low' as necessary to bring it to a good level bearing, as per 
Fig. 23, foreshortening the toe within the limits of safety. If 
the frog is hard and dry, pare it level with the wall and open 
up the commissures along the sides of frog and remove the horny 
sole to its union with the wall by thinning it until serum 
exudes, as this will give freedom to the action of the frog. Also 
if the heels are curled under (like an in-growing toe nail) open 
them up as deep as can be safely done, and in thus giving ex- 
pansion to the bottom of the hoof, it will relax at the top and 
allow the necessary freedom at the coronet for the structures to 
assume their normal relations. After dressing the foot, apply 
the raised split-bar shoe, Fig. 121, as this wnll assist in expanding 
the hoof. Rivet a good solid piece of leather at the heels of 
the shoe to cover the bottom of the foot, then fill the bottom of 
the foot with a warm application of my foot salve, covering the 
same with an overlay of cotton or oakum, then nail on the shoe 
and leather pad and keep pressure off around the front part of 
the toe. After shoeing let the horse stand wdth both front feet 
in tubs of warm water (to fully cover the feet eight or ten inches) 
for two hours a day until soreness disappears. Reset the shoes 
every two wrecks, pare the growth ofit" the base of the hoof and 
keep the sole thin so as to allow it to spring under the weight of 
the body ; at the same time have the feet washed around the cor- 
onet daily with warm water and castile soap (us described in 



158 



SCIENTIP^IC HORSESHOEING. 




prescription No. 1), and the horse may be worked right along 

without hindrance. 

This specimen rep- 
resents the efiects of 
contraction by having 
the wall grow too deep, 
the heels wiring in un- 
til they came together, 
from coronet to ground 
surface, and the foot 
was hardly more than 
half its natural diame- 
ter. The heels over- 
lapping each other had 

Fig. 55. Mule's hoop showing effects of j j i v r 

OVERGROWTH PRODUCING CONTRACTION. crowaeu. tiic Dars, irog 

A, A, Line to which overgrowth should be and inner spur up above 
removed at base. 55° indicates the present angle ^^iq coronarv band As 
of hoof. 45° indicates the angle to which it 

will conform when surplus growth, B, is re- ^he crowding Ot the 
"^^"ved. })ars thus necessitated 

a displacement of the internal structure, the coffin-bone was 
raised behind, the weight presses it forward against the laminse. 
The laminse in this part being 
overtasked, soreness and finally 
lameness ensues. 

In many instances the mule 
is treated for lameness or strains, 
when the proper remedy was to 
have had his feet properly dressed 
and suitably shod. Do not per- 
mit the heels to grow to an ex- 
treme height, pare them down as 
much as can be safely done. 

In shoeing a foot of this 
description, open the heels and Fig. 56. mule shoe. 




LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



159 



weaken them at both sides of the commissures, as thin as safety 
will permit; keep pressure off the toe. In shoeing for drafting 
purposes, toe and heel calkins will be required. In such cases, 
have them low, and of the same height, that the foot may be 
kept as close to the ground as possible, and the animal will 
travel with more ease and safety. Let the shoes be adjusted in 
a manner so as to fit the wall ; and to avoid the possibility of 
cramping the foot, use small nails, with the nail holes straight 
punched and driving so as to take a low, short, thick hold. Re- 
set the shoes every three or four weeks. 

The horse's hoof, as described 
in Chap. Ill, is so constructed that 
any exertion may be best carried 
on by a given elasticity from the 
center of the toe, as the fulcrum 
of a reciprocating motion or 
spring around each side to the 
heels. Should the natural con- 
ditions of the foot be altered, 
however, by being deprived of 
sufficient moisture to preserve in 
it that degree of combined tough- 
ness and flexibility, the foot loses 
its power to yield to pressure and 
return, and when force sufficient 
to overcome its resistance is ex- 
erted, the hoof, no longer capable of springing to it, suddenly 
gives w^ay by splitting. 

This breakage occurs wherever the strain is the greatest — 
at either of the sides from the quarters to the heel, or directly 
through the middle of the hoof in front. 

The condition generally present, then, in the splitting of 
the horny hoof, is a hard, dry, brittleness, and this may arise in 




Fig. 57. front view of the hoof 
propkkly dressed for toe (.rack. 



160 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

a variety of causes. Hot fitting and clipping, as well as high 
toes and heels on shoes which prevent the frog from coming in 
contact with the ground, high heels on foot or shoe, flat feet and 
long toes on draft horses, and the paring away of the frog, sole, 
bars and heel, whereby the foot becomes contracted, are pro- 
lific sources for bringing the hoof into the above-mentioned 
state. 

Any horse whose feet are thus placed is exposed to fracture 
either on their anterior or lateral surfaces. With these condi- 
tions toe crack is produced by the foot acquiring an uneven 
ground surface, and being thrown into an unnatural or forced 
position. If the heel of the foot, through ignorance or neglect, 
is suffered to grow to an unusual height, the pressure and thrust 
of the cofl&n-bone against the front wall will almost surely result 
in fractunng it in that region. A peculiar accident to which 
horses are sometimes liable, wull also produce the same result. 
When a horse, being shod with heel calkins, overreaches him- 
self, that is, treads on his hoof with another foot, and bruises 
the coronet or crust, the crease thus made oftentimes extends 
itself until the crust is split from the coronet to the ground 
surface. 

Toe cracks most generally attack the feet of heavy draft 
horses, doubtless owing to the coarse method of applying their 
shoes, as well as a greater stress being placed upon their toes 
than upon those of other horses in the exertions of drawing 
heavy loads. 

In treating this disease, the first care must be to thoroughly 
cleanse the foot, after which the crack must be pared out 
smoothly on either side, as deep as the horny substance extends, 
thus widening the crevice so as to prevent all friction between 
the separated parts of the wall. Pressure must be taken en- 
tirely off the toe, and a groove, as in the accompanying figure, 
should be cut into the bottom of the crust at the toe. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



IGl 



Having done this, if the foot be contracted at the heel, 
pare it to a level. The toe of the foot is then in turn to be 
shortened and the heel weakened by paring out the commissures 
between the bars and frog as much as, in the judgment of the 
farrier, the foot can safely bear. The pattern of shoe represented 
by Fig. 35 should be used upon the horses intended for draft 
purposes, the nails being placed from the front of the quarters 
back toward the heel. Clips should be used upon each side 
of the toe of the shoe, so that when placed upon the foot on each 
side of the fracture, they will prevent the foot from further ex- 
pansion, by keeping the pressure off from the toe, as shown in 
Fig. 57. The toe calkin being placed well back from the 
toe, lightens the stress at the point where the greatest weakness 
exists, and allows of an easier play to the foot when in motion. 
When the split occurs in the foot of a general business horse, 
lower the heel and shorten the toe, as much as safety will 
permit, and thin the heel of the shoe to obtain strong frog 
pressure, removing the 
pressure around the toe of 
the foot as before directed. 



Quarter Cracks. — 

Quarter cracks are longi- 
tudinal fissures in the 
hoof, occurring near the 
heels. They are gener- 
ally occasioned by im- 

FlG. 58. A SIDE VIEW OF THE FOOT, WITH 

proper shoeing, or neglect crack opposite the wings of the coffin- 
of the foot ; or by allow- ^^^^ (■^^' propekly dressed and the shoe 

adjusted, the toe being rolled or bev- 
ing the horse to stand on ^^ed, and the heel properly cut for the 
hard floors for a length of bearings at the quarter. 
time, or in the overgrowth of the crust ; or when the frog, sole and 
bars have been pared away, and the heels weakened ; also by 
burning the foot in shoeing, or springing the shoe off at the heel, 




162 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEIXG. 




and throwing tlie weight 
of the horse upon the 
wings of the coffin-bone 
— the hoof becoming dry 
and brittle — are some of 
the causes which produce 
a disposition in the hoof 
to contract, which, oc- 
curring at a time when it 
is dry and inflexible, re- 
sults in its lesion or split- 
ting. In speedy horses, 
where the heels are al- 
lowed to grow too high, 
Fig. 59. a hoof properly shod for the ^^^^ ^^^^^ loosing its elastic 

CURE OF A QUARTER CRACK, THE SHOE BEING ^ 

WELL BEVELED AT THE TOE, AND CUT OFF IN tOUgllUeSS, aud bCCOmmg 

THE BRANCH, FORWARD OF THE SEAT OP LAME- J^^j,J ^^^ thickeUCd, thcrC 

NESS AT A. . ,. , .,, , , 

18 liability, by the re- 
peated jar of alighting on his heels in violent action, to burst 
in the quarters — the break occurring where the stress falls heav- 
iest, back of the heel, or at either or on both sides. 

In paring a foot of this kind, reduce the wall (especially at 
the heels), as much as the safety of the foot will permit. The 
next object is to remove the contractile disposition in the hoof, 
by rasping it at the quarters until an appearance of serum, after 
which open both sides of the crack with a drawing knife, so 
that friction of the fractured parts may be avoided. Then rasp 
or cut out the bottom of the crack so that no part of it may 
bear upon the shoe. After the wall has been lowered, should 
the frog project below the bottom of the foot, pare it flat. By 
so doing, the frog will be aided in growing wider, and assist 
the foot in expanding. When the cracks occur well back at the 
heels, I sometimes find it necessary to protect the weak parts 
from the violence of concussion by applying a bar shoe. Com- 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 163 

nience thinning tlie shoe at the center of the quarters, and carry- 
ing it oft' both toward the heels and toe, having the shoe light 
and the bar good and wide, to obtain strong frog pressure. 
When the cracks occur opposite the wings of the cofiin-bone, 
level the foot and shorten the toe as much as can be conveniently 
done. If the crack occurs on one side only, use the shoe shown 
by Figs. 58 and 59, allowing for strong frog pressure. If cracks 
happen on both sides, shoe with a three-quarter tip. File or rasp 
the wall on both sides of the crack, from coronet to the ground 
surface, as thin as safety w^ill permit. If toe and heel calkins 
are required, apply a four-calkin shoe, well rolled on the ground 
surface. If the foot be sore and tender, my foot salve may be 
used with advantage, by warming and saturating with it a 
pledget of cotton, and applying it to the affected parts, securing 
same with a bandage. A new growth of horn may also be 
stimulated by keeping the hoof moist wnth cold-water bandages 
around the coronet. Remove the shoes every three weeks, in 
order to prevent an excessive growth of horn. By following 
these instructions, this form of disease may be easily cured and 
the horse regularly worked. 

Corns. — There are several forms in which these trouble- 
some growths manifest themselves, though their cause and loca- 
tion are generally the same. 

The seat of corns is always in the sole of the foot, or its 
lower connection with the w^all and generally in the posterior 
portion of the hoof, at or in the angle made by the wall in its 
return to form the bars. 

Fig. 60, on the following page, shows, however, that corns 
do not always come in the heels. The letters. A, A, show three 
hard, callous corns bulging up in the inner sole, at point of frog, 
producing tenderness and lameness around the toe. 

The primary cause of all corns in the horse's foot is an un- 
even ground surface, resulting either from the improper level- 



164 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 60. in.side view of 
hoof, showing effects op 
dropped sole and hard 

CORNS. 



ing of the foot by the farrier or its 
previous neglect. Let the foot always, 
be pared level, and the shoe properly 
adjusted to the wall, and corns will 
find no abiding place in feet possessed 
of these conditions. 

To determine where the seat of 
lameness is, take my foot testers (Fig. 
144), and clasp around the union of sole 
and wall. If the horse does not flinch 
or yield, grasp the foot at point of 
frog. If he yields to the pressure, thin 

the sole at that point. On close ex- 

A, A, Seat of hard callous • .• -ii .c j v, j n 

' ' _. „ , , amination you will iind a hard, callous 

corn. B, B, Coronary band. '' ' 

C, Dotted line from coronet substance, somewhat resembling the 

to ground surface at toe, j^^rd corn on the human foot. Pare 

showing shallow wall due to 

wasting away of toe from hot the sole at this point quite thin, so as 

fitting and clipping. D, D, ^o allow it to spring when the horse is 

Internal fissures. E, Ridge 

of internal spur. F, Front bearing his weight On the foot ; this 

face of wall. -will give relief at once. Apply shoe, 

Fig. 35, to the foot, and punch nail holes in shoe to meet the 
conditions of the foot. It may be advisable to poultice the bot- 
tom until soreness is removed. 

Hard corns are protuberances growing upon the inner sole^ 
at its junction with the horny laminae, and lie beneath, as well 
as at the side and rear of the foot bone. They consist of a 
hardened excrescence of the skin, which crowds in upon the 
sensitive surfaces, and thus become the source of much trouble 
and pain. The corn may be generated by severe contusions upon 
the inner sole, but it generally arises from a lateral compression 
of the horny hoof inward upon the sensitive parts. 

The vertical pressure of the horse's weight upon the foot 
bone is oftentimes so severe, and its winged extremities are 
pressed down upon the underlying tissues of the sensitive sole 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 165 

SO suddenly and forcibly as to bruise them against the horny sole 
or shoe without. The bruise thus established develops the wet 
or sappy corn, which consists of an efl'usion of blood or serum 
into the pores of the horn, marking its location by leaving a 
stain upon the outer sole. When the stain appears dark, and is 
easily removed by paring away, the corn is old and working out, 
but when the stain appears bright and ruddy, by penetrating 
further into the horn, the corn is new and needs attention. 
These corns may be aggravated by additional injury, and ter- 
minate in a more serious form, known as the suppurative, in 
which case the sensitiveness will be greatly increased, causing 
intense pain, and, as a necessary consequence, acute lameness, or 
finally resulting in laying the foundation for a quittor. 

In preparing the foot for the shoe, if the horn should ex- 
hibit signs of moisture or discoloration, caused by the exudation 
of a sappy or wet corn, open the center of the part indicated, 
and gradually remove the sole, until the foreign matter is re- 
leased. The foot must next be dressed down until it acquires a 
perfectly level basis. For draft horses, let the toe be shortened 
and the heels lowered; apply a shoe with toe and heel calkins, 
the toe calkin to be set well back from the front of the shoe, as 
seen in Fig. 35, and relieve the pressure at the heels. For horses 
of general business and road purposes, pare the foot as low down 
as safety will admit, shorten the toe, and cut the shoe off" on the 
side in front of the corn, as seen in Figs. 58 and 59 ; but if the 
corn be established on both sides, shoe with a three-quarter tip, 
in order that the shoe may not come as far back as the affected 
parts. In some cases it may be advisable to use a four-calkin or 
bar shoe, as determined by the judgment of the fari"ier. 

Navicular Disease. — The navicular bone, from its position 
in the center of the foot, and the important protection which it 
receives from the surrounding surfaces, is seldom visited by dis- 
ease or disturbed by accident. It is protected at either end by 



166 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




/\ LlLLt-Se 

Fig. 61. hoof, showing the external char- 
acter OP NAVICULAR DISEASE. 



the wall and wings and 
cartilages of the coffin- 
bone and on its upper 
face by the lower pas- 
tern bone, and beneath, 
where lies the greatest 
possibility of accident, 
it is guarded by the 
flexor perforans, the 
plantar cushion and 
horny frog. (See Fig. 
5, and read the anatomy 
A, A, Base or gronnd line over the center of ^^ ^j^^ ^^^^ mentionedO 
the quarters. B, B, Upper edge of the coronet. ^ ^ ^ ^ 

C, C, Falling in of the hoof opposite the seat In this disease the 

of disease. The -white line across the hoof indi- jfjgxor DCrforans be- 
cates the superfluous growth of the hoof, and 
the extent to which it should be reduced. comes ulcerated where 

it slides over the under 
face of the navicular bone (at times involving the sesamoid 
sheath in the process), and the severe pain experienced is from 
its play over the rough, diseased portion of that bone. This 
disease is sometimes inherited, but once contracted, is incurable ; 
a great deal may be done, however, to ease the animal. Two- 
thirds of the cases of this malady, I believe, 
are caused by improperly dressing the foot, 
cutting the frog away, weakened the bars, 
and thinning the sole ; and then driving Y\c 62. diseased na- 
over uneven roads, provoking inflammation "^''^ular bone, taken 

. 1 *" r» 1 ^ FROM the HOOF (FiG. 

m the tissues and membranes or the foot, gi-, one-h\lf size. 
which finally communicates itself to the a, Diseased portion 
bones and their attachments with one an- ^^ bone. 
other. 

The above (Fig. 61) represents the back view of a hoof 
showing the effects of navicular disease by the shrinkage of the 
outer wall upon the living parts of the foot, immediately below 




LAMEXESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



167 



the coronary band, crowding the cartilages in and stopping in 
a measure the circulation. The foot become dry, hard and 
feverish and the wall thick and deep. The white line across the 
heel shows where the foot should be reduced around the base. 
When the disease becomes w^ell established, the horse manifests 
it by continual restlessness, standing on one foot and holding 
the other backward, with heel elevated and toe touching the 
ground, or by tw^isting the toe out and resting the heels of one 
on the coronet of the other; and by constantly shifting and 
flexing the fetlock and knee. 

Xot one-third of the cases of navicular disease which have 
come under my observation are chronic ; and, indeed, many cases 
which are thus wrongly termed should be considered only nav- 
icular joint lameness, which if allowed to run might become 
chronic, but are curable if taken in time. 

In dressing the foot 
for the shoe, proceed as 
per Fig. 23, then, after 
properly leveling and bal- 
ancing it, open up the 
commissures and pare out 
the sole wnthin safe limits. 
If the frog projects above 
the heel, pare it flat on the 
ground tread. In most 
instances the bar shoe 
shown in Fig. 63 can be 
used with satisfactory re- 
sults, it can be easily yig. 63. bar shoe for navicular disease. 
made, being of the same A, Plate welded ou the shoe over the seat 
thickness in both branches ^^ navicular disease. B, Roll or bevel at the 

toe. 
from the heel to the cen- 
ter of the quarters ; in front of the quarters it is gradually 
thinned, and at the toe it is rolled or beveled, as indicated at B. 




168 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

After the shoe is prepared for the foot, a thin plate of steel 
must be welded on level with the face of the shoe, as represented 
at A. The plate being placed directly over the seat of the dis- 
ease, will protect the affected parts from any evil results of se- 
vere concussion. The bar thus placed must not bear upon the 
frog, as frog pressure would have a tendency to aggravate the 
disease. An open space of considerable depth must be sufiered 
to exist between the plate and the foot, sufficient to permit the 
removal of dirt, etc., which may secrete itself. 

Rivet a firm piece of leather under the heels of the shoe to 
cover the bottom of the foot, which fill with my foot salve as 
prescribed. Have heel calks welded on both side branches of 
the shoe, to be about 1^ inches long, tapering the shoe gradually 
from heel to toe and of good height at heel point, say ^ inch. 

Elevating: the heels will lessen the friction on the flexor ten- 
don in its play over the diseased bone, and the action of the foot 
joint will be firmer. After nailing on the shoe stand the horse 
in soaking tubs of warm water, two hours a day for a week or 
ten days, together with warm water bandages around the coro- 
net. By having the shoe rolled on the ground surface in front 
of the quarters to the toe, the horse will get over the toe with 
the least possible strain on the afi'ected parts. The shoe should 
extend as well back at the heel as can be safely worn, and by 
this manner of shoeing much relief will be afforded. Reset the 
shoes every two or three weeks to keep down the surplus growth 
on ground tread. 

Raised Coronet. — This disease implies a violent alteration 
of the coronary band at the heel ; consequent upon either side 
of the heel being uneven on the ground surface. This position 
of the hoof is fully shown in Fig. 64, on the opposite page. 

This complaint arises from mismanagement of the foot, and 
its continuance is owing to bad shoeing. In slight cases, when 
a horse is let run at grass without shoes, it will generally be 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



169 



found sufficient to ef- 
fect a cure. In obsti- 
nate cases, however, 
or when the horse 
travels or works regu- 
larly, recourse must be 
had to a careful plan 
for dressing the foot 
and shoeing it. 

In such cases, in 




Fig. 64. 



D, Inner spur twisted and deformed. 



BACK GROUND SURFACE VIEW OF RAISED 
CORONET. 
(In dressing foot, see Diagram No. 41, p. 145.) 

A, A, Line of ground surface. B, Base of 

order to restore the foot raised heel. C, C, Difference in height of the 

,1 1,1 sides of the heel indicated at the coronet, 
to its natural healthy 

state, the mode of ob- 
taining levels I have pointed out must be attended to, see Fig. 
23. The higher part of the heel is then to be reduced, but the 
strength of the foot on this side must otherwise be carefully 
preserved, that it may be sufficiently firm to make up as mueli 
as possible for the deficiency of the full heel. On the other 
hand the raised or twisted side must be weakened as much as 
can be conveniently done, so that it will readily yield to the 
pressure of the animal's weight ; the sole and bars being carefully 
thinned, gradually lessening the paring as the toe is approached. 
The shoe which is applied should be cut ofi:' on the side where 
the crust turns up, that that part may not be exposed to any 
pressure from it. 

If the shoe is applied in the manner indicated, the nails 
being placed in the quarter of the high side, and stopped at 
the toe of the raised side, the crust on that side, it is observed, 
will be kept at a considerable distance from the ground. 

The flexibility which the horn possesses, therefore, allowing 
it to yield in a small degree whenever the horse's weight is 
thrown upon it, gradually restores the foot to its natural con- 
dition without the liability of further pain. AVhenever the 
hoof appears to be too dry and hard, or to have lost its pliancy, 



170 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



it may be kept moist by applying several folds of flannel round 
the coronet constantly wetted with warm water, also by having the 
horse stand in warm soaking tubs for two or three hours a day. 

While Fig. 65 is 
introduced in order to 
illustrate the extent to 
which disease may ef- 
fect a foot through any 
mismanagement, it is 
not proposed to suggest 
any cure for such an 
affection ; but rather to 
state that, by careful 
attention to the prepa- 
ration and shoeing of a 
foot, such diseases may 
be avoided. It is the 
moral of the old but 
true adage, that " an 
ounce of prevention is 
A, A, Dotted line, to which surplus growth at worth a pound of cure." 

Fig. 66 , on the op- 




FlG. 65. EXTERNAL APPEARANCE OF HOOF DE- 
FORMED BY PEDITIS, AND OVERGROWN BY NEG- 
LECT. 



toe should be removed. B, B, Dotted line, to 
which surplus growth at heel should be re- 
moved. C, Wall of foot. 



posite page, is a section 
of the preceding figure, 
through axis of leg from front to rear. The unnatural position 
of the foot is noticeable ; the surplus growth at the heel has 
raised it out of position, and the decayed coflEin-bone is evidently 
due to peditic degeneration. This is regarded as the very best 
illustration of this disease in print, and speaks for itself. 



Dished-wheel Foot. — Fig. 67, page 173. To shoe a 
foot of this kind file or rasp the surplus growth on the 
dished side from B to C, C, and the surplus growth at 
base from J) to D. Open up the curled heel overlapping 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



171 



the cleft of the frog 
from E to E, as deeply 
as the horn extends. 
In fitting the shoe, the 
weight must be equal- 
ized through the axis 
of the leg and foot 
when placed on the 
ground, as shown in 
Fig. 26. 

If toe and heel 
calkins are required, 
use shoe. Fig. 73, let- 
ting the toe calkin ex- 
tend over the curled 
line. The shoe must 

o-radually widen from „„ i-r^-^^^^ . ,. i,_ 

o -^ B, B, and B, B, Dotted lines to which sur- 

quarters to heel so as plus growth at toe and heel should be removed. 




Fig. 66. median section op same foot as 
Fig. 65, showing the destrltctive effects of 

PEDITIS in the disorganization OF THE LIVING 
STRUCTURES. 



C, Remains of imperfect horn. D, Fragment 
of dead coffin-bone. E, Navicular bone. P, 
Lower pastern. G, Upper pastern. H, I, J, 
Withered tendons. K, Slight insertion of flexor 
perforans. L, Plantar cushion. M, Bulb of 
horny frog. N, Base of hoof ou opposite side. 



to cover the heel up 
close to side of frog. 
Place side heel calkin 
on as shown in dia- 
gram ; the projecting 

toe calk and side heel calkin will serve to widen the ground 
tread on the dished side. 

The shoe must be beveled from the foot surface on the angle 
of the foot so as to assist in gaining ground tread. Forge a 
clip on the quarter of shoe on curled side ; the clip will hold the 
shoe firmly to the side of the foot, and as the foot grows, the 
shoe will carry the foot to the curled side. 

If flat shoes are required, use non-paddling shoe. Fig. 92. 
The shoe upon curled side should have, the nail holes punched 
outwardly, so as to take a short, thick hold, to avoid cramping 
the foot. Have the shoes reset every two or three weeks. If 



172 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



the above instructions are 
carried out, the foot will be- 
come straight and natural. 

The dished foot shown 
on page 173 is a result of 
overgrowth of the hoof. 
Fig. 67. back view of bistokted dished The toe is lengthened and 

the heel raised in such a way 




as to throw the foot out of 
its natural angle. This pro- 
duces an unnatural pressure 



QUARTER AND CURLED HEEL. 

A, A, Center line through frog. B, B, 
Angle of dished quarter, as the foot stands, 
55 degrees. C to C, Line denoting por- 
tion of dished quarter to be filed or rasped 
off on one side, and the extension of shoe 
on the other side to give proper width of at the toe, on the ground 
ground tread, and make angles on both surface, and at the COronet, 
sides the same — 75 degrees. D, D, Ground 
line to which base of hoof is to be reduced. 
E, E, Curled heel overlapping center of 
cleft of frog, also showing where heel is 
to be opened with the farrier's knife as 
deeply as the curled horn extends. F, 
Horny sole deeply concaved. G, C, Shows 
distance inner quarter is curled under cen- 
ter of foot on ground-bearing surface. 



thus preventing the action 

of the secretive powers ; 

more or less inflammation 

sets in and as the internal 

part wastes away the outer 

wall conforms to the inside. 

It has been observed that if 

the foot be allowed to remain in this condition for any length 

of time, the upper pastern becomes enlarged, which to me is 

conclusive proof that it has been overtaxed. 

Horses accustomed to slow work do not sutfer from this as 
much as road and track horses. "When the heel and toe are al- 
lowed to grow to an unusual height and length, the angle of the 
heel with the ground line is carried forward under the leg, thus 
causing the weight to be thrown out of the axis of the leg and 
foot ; and when the horse is at full speed, the height of his heels 
prevents the natural expansion of the foot, from heel to quarters, 
at each foot fall, and he lands his foot upon the ground with a 
dead jar, like that experienced by a man walking on a wooden 
leg. This jar will not be transmitted through the axis of the 
leg, pasterns and foot bone, as would be the case if the foot were 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



173 



on its proper angle, but up into the 
back tendons, thus causing their 
overtaxation. 

If the hoof is pared in accord- 
ance with the indications given 
(see Fig. 68), it will stand upon 
its proper angle. All dished feet 
are thin at the point of the frog, 
where great care must be taken in 
dressing the foot to leave sufficient 
sole, and in shoeing observe the 
necessity of keeping pressure off' 
from front part of foot. 



Wheeled Foot.— Fig. 




Fig. 68. vikw op dished front 

FOOT. 



A, A, Dotted line to which 
surplus growth of wall should 
be removed. B, Dotted line to 
which surplus growth of wall 
at toe should be removed. 



69, on 
the following page, is what is termed 
a wheeled hind foot, having low 
heels and high, deep toe, the reverse 
of the defect in Fig. 68. The un- 
natural growth is due to mismanagement of the foot. The 
weight which should pass through the axis of the leg drops 
back of the heel, bearing upon the back tendons and greatly 
overtaxing them. 

When the foot, in this case, is lifted over the toe, the 
weight, which bears upon the arch of the coffin-bone, raises 
the point of it by the overgrowth of the toe, and draws the cof- 
fin-bone back from the front part of the foot, thus allowing the 
front wall to thicken up as seen in the figure. 

Common sense declares against permitting a foot to re- 
main in this condition, when it can be placed upon its natural 
base. 

A reference to Fig. 69 shows where the foot ought to be 
pared in order to bring the toe to the ground, and allow the 
foot to fall more directly under the leg. This will relieve the 



174 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




FlO. 69. WHEELED HIND FOOT, 
SHOWING LONG TOE AND LOW HEEL. 



back tendon from overtaxation and 
assist nature in bringing the foot 
upon its natural angles. Pare the 
base of the hoof as shown to dotted 
line, H. File or rasp the front wall 
to dotted line, B, After the foot is 
dressed, apply shoe (Fig. 115) with 
heels extended well back of foot, 
and their height varying with the 
emergencies. If the shoe is proper- 
erly adjusted, the best results may 
be expected. 



B, H, Lines to which surplus 
growth should be removed at 
front of foot and from toe to heel. 
A, Unnatural thickness of wall 
in front. 



Defective Ankle Joints or 
Knuckling. — The catalogue of dis- 
eases, defects and deformities in the 
feet of horses has by this time, the 
reader will perceive, grown to a considerable length. In tracing 
them to their small beginnings, we find a striking instance of 
the serious results springing from the " un- 
considered trifles " of shoeing. The weak- 
ness peculiar to some horses in their hind 
ankle joints, next suggests itself. This 
troublesome afiection, in many cases, arises 
from the overtaxation of the fetlock during 
colthood, and, again, from hoofs or shoes 
having high toes and heels, or from heredi- 
tary influences. This defect is found to be 
more prevalent among speedy horses having 
long pasterns than those of any other kind. 
Short upright pasterns in conjunction with 
high heels and short toes; also improper 
shoeing — allowing the toes to grow too long 
and low heels — Avill render speed horses 




Fig. 70. defective an- 
kle JOINT. 

A, A, Line to which 
base of hoof should be 
reduced. 



LAMENESS AND I)1SI<:ASES, ETC. 



175 



liable to this troublesome ailment. Hard pulling will also de- 
velop it and no horses are exempt from it where they are in a 
position to overtax the muscles and ligaments of the pastern 
and fetlock joints. Certain conformations of the foot or ankle 
region, together with improper modes of shoeing, as indicated, 
are always classed with the predisposing causes of this defec- 
tion. The weakness is generally manifested when the horse is 
traveling at a slow gait and renders him less sure footed, though 
not always attended by lameness. When driven on the level 
the upper pastern occasionally bulges forward, and going down 
hill the horse knuckles at every step, but the driver will observe 
that when going up hill the horse never knuckles. I call par- 
ticular attention to these 
points, as the style of shoe 
proposed for the relief of 
knuckling is on the order 
of up-hill movement. 

It will most generally 
be found that unevenly- 
grown and unbalanced 
feet are present in condi- 
tions where knuckling ex- 
ists, and in preparing the 
foot for the reception of 
the shoe, the surplus 
growth should be removed Fro. 71 
as shown in Fig. 70, and 
the foot leveled and bal- ^een from the side. 
anced as per Fig. 23. In 

, , . ii, X -n 1, B» B, Sole-bearin 

this way the toe will be ^^^ 

foreshortened, the heels 

lowered, the ground tread lengthened, strong frog pressure ob- 
tained, and the fetlock or weak joints thus be made to rest more 
easily in a normal position. Fig. 71 is the shoe recommended 




HIND FOOT SHOE TO PREVKNT AND 
CURE KNUCKLING. 

The straight bar indicates the shape of shoe 
A, Point from which 
shoo should be tapered to toe and heel, 
line. C, C, C, Ground 



176 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



for the cure of this disease, and may be easily made. A, A, on 
face indicates a point from the toe about one-third of its length 
(or two-thirds from the heels), from which the ground surface 

of the shoe is to be drawn forward to 
toe at B, and back to heels at C, C, 
leaving the high point at A, as shown 
in side bar — usually three-eighths of an 
inch, to vary with the extent of 
knuckling. The shoe should be made 
of steel, quite thin and light, that the 
horse may have his foot as near the 
ground as possible, as well as to receive 
the benefit of strong frog pressure. 
The effect of a shoe with such a ground- 
bearing surface will be to place the 
horse upon an incline, as though as- 
cending a hill, and, when in a stand- 
ing position, the upper pastern will 
keep its place in its articulation with 
the fetlock joint, and when in motion, 
the foot will be able to slide over with- 
out straining the parts afiected. 

Knee Sprung. — Many indefinite 
causes have been assigned by various 
writers as the originating source of the 
condition known as "knee sprung;" 
but, it generally appears as if the liga- 
ments and bandages of the knee had 
become strained and enlarged, in which 
LEG WHEN KNEE SPRUNG. ^Iso the frout and back sinews may 
A, A, Angle of this foot 45 become involved by overexertion of 
degrees. B, B, Line to which ^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^le bones of the 
hoof should be reduced to its 
normal basis. knee-joint being no longer properly 




Fig. 72. position of thk 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 177 

retained in their places, become bulged or sprung forward. 
(Compare Fig. 72 with perfect knee of skeleton, Fig. 2.) 

In many cases the formation of the animal, such as undue 
length of limb from the knee to fetlock, is a natural predisposi- 
tion to weakness at knee ; also, abnormal presentation at time 
of foaling where knees are doubled under the body, may produce 
a similar tendency. 

Young hprses subjected to an excess of hard pulling before 
they are seasoned or matured, are most liable to injure their 
knees in this manner. Care should therefore be taken in work- 
ing them that their limbs are not overtasked while under the 
age of seven years. 

Horses employed in constant " up-hill " work, where the 
stress upon the knee is continued and severe, or in suffering 
them to stand in stalls where the slope is considerable and the 
floor hard, necessitating exertion in the muscles of the leg, and 
keeping the ligaments constantly in a tense state, will expose 
them to a deformity in their knees, by their leaning or bowing 
out in consequence of the ligaments and tendons becoming 
weakened. When the proper angle of the foot is destroyed, as 
is most usually produced by improper shoeing, such as having 
high toes and low heels, causing the lower pastern to bear down 
upon the navicular bone, which in turn presses back against the 
flexor perforans, will produce an over distension of the muscles ; 
and similarly, sore or bruised heels will cause a constant leaning 
forward on the knees to relieve the pressure on other parts, and 
thus produce this defect ; or, should the foot even be properly 
pared, and the shoe then applied be thick at the toe — the heels 
of the hoof being low — the eflect of always ascending would be 
the same, and result in the malformation of which we treat ; or, 
if the shoe is too short — indeed, any mode of shoeing that will 
unbalance the foot, may cause the knees to spring forward. 

When the disease becomes chronic, and the ligaments and 

tendons so much relaxed as to be no longer able to respond to 
12 



178 SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEING. 

the treatment, a radical cure may be impossible ; but, if taken 
in time, and the foot properly dressed and shod, the disease can 
be cured. 

In dressing the foot for this disease, pare it level and lower 
it to its proper angle, bearing in mind the directions given in 
Chapter IV. 

The style of shoe which I have found to be best adapted 
for the relief of sore tendons and knee spring, are the scoop-toe 
rolling motion, Fig. 94, rolling-motion shoe. Fig. 93, and four- 
calkin shoe. Fig. 80 ; having the shoe adapted to extend as far 
back at the heels as the safety of the foot may seem to require. 
This extension and elevation of the heels usually afibrds speedy 
relief. Either of these patterns, by shortening the ground sur- 
face at the toe and strengthening the knee when the horse is 
movins: forward, will relieve the strain and enable him the bet- 
ter to pass his feet over uneven ground surface, which is some- 
times the cause of twisting and straining the already injured 
parts. Another means of furthering a cure is to feed the horse 
from the ground. This will have the effect of throwing the ani- 
mal's weight more directly over his limbs, and thus assist nature, 
in a manner, to retrench the enlargement in the knee bandages. 

Curb. — A curb consists of an inflammation and swelling of 
the posterior portion of the hock joint, accompanied Vv^ith con- 
siderable heat and pain, and often by lameness. The cause of 
this is an accident resulting to the ligaments at and around the 
hock, and is produced by such exertions as hard pulling, prancing 
and leaping, and galloping over uneven ground surfaces, etc. The 
peculiar conformation of some horses renders them more likely 
to be attended by curbs than others ; but, as it is ahvays the 
result of overtaxation, which will not admit of much labor in the 
part, it should be remedied as soon as possible. Warm water 
bandages are useful in dressing the parts w^hen inflammation is 
present. When the soreness is considerable, however, blisters 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 179 

ma}" have to be resorted to, and these even will be ineffectual, 
unless the horse is given a necessary amount of rest. In a mod- 
erate state, a properly strong blister is generally sufficient to 
effect a cure ; but, unless the swelling is completely removed, 
repeated blistering will be requisite. In extreme cases, it may 
be necessary to fire and blister the affected parts, in order to 
effect a permanent cure. After firing and blistering, a consider- 
able time at rest will be necessary to strengthen the parts, before 
working them. 

In getting the foot ready for the shoe, pare it low and level, 
and shorten up the toe as much as can be conveniently 
done. After such preparations, adjust the shoe represented in 
Fig. 112. 

Spavin. — This disease takes its name from an enlargement 
of the inner side of the hock, and appears under two forms, 
w^hich are denominated the bone and the blood or bog spavin. 
From whatever cause bone spavin may proceed, it consists of a 
bony excrescence about the hock joint, and generally occasions 
lameness. It can not be treated with uniform success, for it 
often proves very obstinate, and not infrequently incurable. By 
an early application of the proper remedies, however, I believe 
it can generally be removed. This complaint, in its incipient 
state, may be discovered by an unusual heat or tenderness on 
the inner side of the hock joint, accompanied with a touch of 
lameness. At this period of the disease, a blister will generally 
prove successful ; but, when of longer standing, and the swell- 
ing and lameness continue, it will be necessary to apply to the 
actual cautery. This operation, however, must never be per- 
formed while any inflammation remains. It will be advisable, 
also, to turn the horse loose, and let him enjoy this kind of rest 
for a considerable time. Should the swelling continue, notwith- 
standing these remedies have been carefully employed, the in- 
jury is obviously incurable. 



180 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Bog spavin is a dropsical condition of the joint, which be- 
comes 80 either from a loss of power in the absorbent vessels,, 
or an increased action of the sacs which secrete the joint oil. 
Perhaps both these causes maj concur in producing the disease, 
the more remote cause of which is generally hard work — that 
is, too great or too long continued action of the joint. 

The bog spavin does not so often occasion lameness as the 
other, except when a horse is worked hard, which generally 
causes a temporary lameness removable by rest ; but it does not 
always admit of a radical cure, for, though blistering is of likely 
service, it generally returns with any considerable exertion. 
Much may be done, however, to assist the horse in his move- 
ments, by properly paring the foot, and suitably adjusting a 
shoe such as shown in Fig. 112. 

Thrush. — Thrush arises from several various causes, but in 
whatever way it appeared I have successfully treated it accord- 
ing to existing conditions of the foot. 

When contracted heels seem to have caused the disease or 
are present with it, I pare the heels and toe low as safety will 
permit, then open up the commissures along the frog on both 
sides, deep as possible, and if the frog is dry, hard, and unyield- 
ing, trim it off — depending greatly on the condition of the foot,, 
the kind of w^ork required of the horse, and style of shoe to be 
applied. In ordinary cases fit any ordinary shoe to the foot; 
after shoe is set, take my foot spreader, i!:^o. 8, in case of tools, 
Fig. 136, and a flat, sharp iron about the shape of the end of a^ 
rasp, heat same to a white heat, open the foot at the heels with 
spreader, then draw the hot iron once or twice — at white heat — 
quickly through the opening of the frog as deep as sore extends.. 
It is done so quickly that the horse hardly flinches, and will not 
seek to draw away. This burning will cauterize the small ulcers 
which cause the sloughing off of the fetid matter, through cleft 
of frog. After this operation, pour salve prescription I^o. .2,, 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 181 

while warm, into opening, and while still soft lay on strips of 
cotton saturated with the salve, pushing same down to fill the 
crevice in frog — then apply shoe. Have this treatment repeated 
in about 48 hours, and in a couple of dressings the thrush will 
disappear. Keep horse in dry place. Treat hind foot same as 
front. 

Canker. — This is a local disease most frequently arising 
from the thrush, and attacking the front feet. It consists at 
first of an ulcerous sore in cleft of frog when the inflammation 
of the parts is severe and they are quite tender — often making 
the horse quite lame. The parts affected become very soft and 
rotten, with a discharge of purulent matter. By early attention 
and proper treatment the disease is easily cured, but if it con- 
tinues its ravages it not infrequently destroys the horny frog 
and often extends to the sensitive sole and other parts of the 
foot. The simplest treatment I have found to be the quickest 
and the best: First, dress the foot, as per Fig. 23, then take three 
or four old rasps, sharpen one end of each and heat to a white 
heat, and while in that state apply to cankered part of frog, 
holding the iron at an angle of about 45 degrees, and giving it 
a quick, downward stroke along the side of frog from upper 
edge down and forward, and continuing with the other heated 
irons until bottom of soreness is reached and burnt away. 
Sometimes this disease attacks the inner and outer quarters, and 
I have operated on chronic cases where excrescences had been 
thrown up over the diseased parts like finger stumps, standing 
out from one-fourth to three-fourth inches, and by this burning 
process have permanently cured them. Give the horse a hot 
water foot bath for three hours after burning, and as the open 
state of cells of foot after these operations develops granulations 
very rapidly, this burning and soaking treatment must be 
kept up daily until entirely cured. This treatment is not as 
severe or painful as it appears, as the horse does not jerk away 



182 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

under it. Do not poultice the foot but let it remain open, and 
keep horse quiet in a dry stall. 

Scratches. — Scratches is a disease which attacks the skin 
back of the heels, which becomes hard and dry, cracking open 
and oftentimes causing the horse to start ofi' quite sore, and if al- 
lowed to go unchecked may degenerate into a more serious mal- 
ady called greased-heels. For the cure of scratches use an 
application of prescription No. 12 according to directions, and 
keep up the treatment once daily until entirely well. 

Foot Rot or Seedy Toe. — This insidious disease occurs 
sometimes in the toe, and at other times around the inner or 
outer quarters of the foot. It manifests itself by a wasting 
away or drying up of the sensitive laminae, and in slight attacks 
may be easily cured, as the horse does not at once go lame, seem- 
ingly requiring some little time to develop into a condition of 
lameness. When it becomes aggravated, however, and involves 
the toe and quarters, it is disabling and requires careful treat- 
ment. I have treated some very stubborn cases where a com- 
plete separation of wall and vascular parts had taken place, ex- 
tending almost from ground surface to coronet, and where only 
one and a half to two inches of solid horn remained. In 
such cases I removed all the separated parts of the wall as 
far as the disease extended, fairly uncovering the coffin-bone. 
I then made a wide-webbed, deeply-concaved shoe to cover 
around toe and quarters; thence gradually narrowing it to the 
heels with a good, wide bar across to get strong frog pressure, 
three nail holes to be placed on each side at the heels. Next 
I pulled up a clip on each side of the quarters and at front 
toe, making the clips very long, bent up at the same angle as 
the wall, fitting shoe snug all around with a light leather riveted 
on to hold the packing of salve (see prescription No. 2) with 
which the bottom of foot should be filled. After the shoe is on. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 183 

take enough of same salve warmed and build on outside of foot 
about to the thickness of natural hoof covering the surface, to 
at least one inch above coronet; then encase same within a 
leather strap or boot, fitting neatly around foot from shoe to 
one and a half inch above coronet, slip the leather down inside 
the clips running back under the bulge of the heels, buckle on 
the outside, then gently drive the clips in toward the foot to 
make secure hold against the leather; also have small screw 
holes drilled through the clips, about one half inch above shoe, 
and insert screws to assist in holding the leather firmly to bot- 
tom of foot. After dressing in this way have the foot soaked 
in hot water two hours a day, this, with the salve, will assist the 
formation of new horn and effect a permanent cure. Horses 
that I have treated in this way have not only grown new, strong 
hoofs, but were at the same time used daily at slow work. 

In ordinary cases of seedy toe, level the foot, as per Fig. 23, 
then with a probe or sharp instrument remove all pithy, decayed 
substances as deep as such extend, being careful not to draw blood. 
Fit shoe snug to foot, draw up clips on shoe opposite the sepa- 
rated parts to secure a firm brace against the weakened wall 
when weight of horse is resting on it ; have as many clips as 
may be necessary for this purpose. After shoe is fitted, remove 
the lower margin of hoof, so that no pressure can come upon 
the separated parts, and have the nails located to go in the sound, 
healthy portions of the horn. Before attaching shoe use the 
salve treatment as directed for the more severe cases. 



184 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
FAULTS OF STRUCTURE AND ACTION. 

KEQULATED OR RESTRICTED BY SHOEING. 

A large percentage of the horses have feet or legs which 
are not perfect in conformation, and as a consequence of these 
imperfections they are especially predisposed to certain injuries 
and diseases, as well as to manifest discordance of action — un- 
desirable in itself and unpleasant in its effects according to the 
rapidity of motion in different gaits. Much may be learned 
from careful observation of the action of an evenly-balanced 
horse, as a standard by w^hich to compare and determine that 
which is defective or undesirable in figure and gait, as previously 
indicated in Chapters I and Y. 

After examining the gait at which the horse moves, as 
pointed out, carefully study the poise of the legs and feet when 
at rest. The weak points of a horse's conformation can be bet- 
ter discovered while standing than while moving. If he is sound 
he will stand firmly and squarely on his limbs without moving 
them, with legs plump and naturally and equally poised ; or if 
the foot is taken from the ground and the weight taken from it, 
disease may be suspected or at least tenderness, which is the 
precursor of disease. If the horse stands with his feet spread 
apart, or straddles with his hind legs, there is a weakness in the 
loins and the kidneys are disordered. Heavy pulling bends the 
knees. A kicking horse is apt to have scarred legs ; a stumbling 
horse has blemished knees, etc. 

Never buy a horse in harness. Unhitch him and take every 
thing off' but his halter and lead him around. If he has a corn 
or is stiff*, or has any other failing, you can see it. Let him go 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 185 

by himself aways. Back him too. Some horses show their 
weakness or tricks in that way when they do n't in any other. 

The vital part of a hotse, as far as his value is concerned, is 
the foot, for' it is only as an organized locomotive machine that 
the horse is practically the most valuable companion to man. 
Hence without good feet and supple, muscular legs he would be 
of small value, either for work or speed, and the rational care 
of these underlies all else in the equine economy, as any impair- 
ment of them is a matter of extreme gravity and apprehension. 

It is difficult, indeed, to understand how the feet and legs 
of horses stand the w^ear and tear of work in our great cities, 
where every step of their iron-shod hoofs is upon a hard, un- 
yielding road ; and where, even at rest in their stables, they are, 
in a majority of cases, condemned to stand upon hard floors. 
There is no other creature living — save and excepting the don- 
key or mule — which can long bear the constant battering en- 
tailed by rapid locomotion over a paved surface. But if we 
look at the structure of the horse's foot (Figs. 3 to 15) we see 
how it is that the jar and vibration do not injure them more — 
severe as it is known to be. He is in fact mounted on springs, 
and it is not surprising that the intricate apparatus of locomo- 
tion, with its symmetry of movement and the perfection of its 
details should be admiringly termed " a living machine." 

In the language of another : " His very muscles appear at 
every motion, not soft and flabby, but firm and distinct. His 
veins, like rivulets, run in an infinite number of meanders, 
his limbs are clean, nervous, durable and ready at every call — 
and of all creatures he seems to approach nearest man, both for 
beauty, majesty and sagacity, and his services are likewise the 
most noble and excellent." 

The drawings on the following pages fairly illustrate the dif- 
ference between well-formed and malformed legs, and good and 
faulty standing positions. A comparison of these may enable the 
reader to judge for himself as to what is the best position, and 



186 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




1. Too straight. 2. Too much bent. 3. Too far behind. 

Fig. 73. faulty positions op hind legs, side view. 



what condition or malformation of the legs causes deviation 
therefrom. It must be borne in mind, however, that experience 
is the best and only teacher in matters of this kind, and that all 
I can attempt within the limits of this branch of my subject, 
is to set the reader on the right track ; the rest depends upon 
himself. 

The character and position of the hock has much to do with 
the standing position of the rear part of the horse, and the 
numerous faulty positions in which we show this is conclusive 
on this point. The qualities of a good hock are that it should 
be clear, rigid, and well defined, without puffiness or swelling ; 
the bones should be large and prominent, and viewed from the 
side should appear wide above and below. They should be 
neither straight or overbent. There is also a relative value to 
be attached to hocks malformed or apparently difiering from 
those laid down. Horses with defective hocks may be good 
for one sort of work and unsuited to another. As for instance, 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 



187 



hocks that will not stand violent exertions may endure for years 
in quiet work ; but these are exceptions, and the rule stands 
good as before. 

Comparing Figs. 1, 2, 3 (page 186), and 4 and 5 (page 188), 
we recognize some broad distinctions. 

In Fig. 1, the hock is too straight. The legs in this posi- 
tion are subject to spavin and thorough-pin. 

In Fig. 2, the hock is overbent and we may look for curb. 

In Fig. 3, the leg is too far behind ; and, therefore, does not 
afford the horse sufficient propelling power. 

In Fig. 4, the hocks stand in and the toes stand out ; and 
in Fig. 5, the hocks stand out and the toes stand in. 

In contrast to the foregoing, Figs. 6 and 7 (page 188), rep- 
resent the usually recommended position and what is considered 
the best position ; and in connection herewith the reader is re- 
spectfully referred again to Fig. 1, illustrating the model horse, 
according to my 50 years' experience and observation. 





4. Hocks too close. 5. Hocks too open. 

Fig. 74. f.^ulty position of hind legs, back view. 



188 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 





6. Position usually recommended. 7. Best position. 

Fig, 75. good position of hind legs. 



Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11 
represent faulty positions of 
the fore legs. In Fig. 8, 
the elbow stands out and the 
toes stand in, commonly 
called " pigeon toes." In 
Fig. 9, the elbows stand in 
and the toes stand out, caus- 
ing the knees to spring to- 
gether. 

In Fig. 10, on the 
189th page, we have a side 
view of what is termed a 

8. "Pigeon-toed." 9. Knock-kneed. " calf leg," in this the VCl'ti- 

FiG. 76. FAULY POSITIONS OF FORE LEGS, cal lliie from the should- 
er through the axis will pass outside of and at a distance from 




FAULTY CONFORMATIOX AND MOVEMENT. 



189 




10. Calf leg. 11. Feet too close. 

Fig. 77. f.\ulty positions of fore 

LEGS. 



the wings of the heels. This, as 
will be seen upon reference 
thereto, varies much from the 
requirements of a perfect horse. 
Such a position does not denote 
speed, but is not objectionable in 
a draft horse. In Fig. 11, the 
feet stand too closely together on 
the ground ; a position not recom- 
mended in a good horse. 

Finally, in contrast with 
these faulty positions of the fore- 
legs, we show front and side views 
of them, in which the points 
favorable in a perfect horse are all 
noticeable. In the side view, the 
foot is well under the leg, and the axis of the bones of the leg 
are all in line, as indicated 
by the vertical dotted line 
that drops from point of 
shoulder to foot, and the 
foot stands upon its proper 
angle. 

In the front view the 
conditions still remain the 
same. The shoulders are 
prominent, strong and well- 
set back, the fore arm is 
muscular, the fore leg tap- 
ered from elbow to foot, and 
the dotted line, in the ver- 
tical, passes directly through 
the axis of each leg and foot. 





12. Side. 13. Front. 

Fig. 78. VIEWS OF PERFECT LEGS. 



190 SCIEXTIFIC HORSESHOKING. 

Care of the Foot from Oolthood. — I have often read and 
heard the statements of many authorities to the effect that the 
inside quarters of the horse's foot were weaker than the out- 
side quarters ; but from personal observation and practical 
knowledge, I can safely say that those statements are true only 
in cases of disproportionate build or where the foot has become 
altered or affected by mismanagement or improper shoeing. 
In a perfect, healthful foot, such as is shown in Fig. 24, 
however, the different parts are, without exception, symmetrical. 

And that I might satisfy myself fully in this regard, I have 
for many years visited the fertilizing factories, and with a com- 
pass have closely examined thousands of green specimens after 
they were stripped, and measured them from the center of 
fissures to the union of the inner wall and floor of sole on both 
sides from quarters back to heels, and never found an instance 
of a healthful foot where the difference exceeded the sixteenth 
of an inch. And even when the outer wall has grown more 
luxuriantly upon one side than the other, have I ever found 
any perceptible difference in the inner part of the foot. I have 
also closely examined with calipers the wall upon both quarters 
of feet which never had been shod or tampered with, from the 
center of the back through the quarters to the heels, and never 
found any variation in the thickness. And I have gone still 
further to satisfy myself upon this point. I have repeated vis- 
ited stock farms containing fifty or seventy-five horses and colts, 
whose feet never have been shod or tampered with, and upon 
careful inspection have found that the one-sided growth was due 
to the comparative length of the neck and legs. If the legs 
were short and the neck long, the feet would be straight ; that 
is, if the horse was perfectly built, the legs and neck propor- 
tional, the feet were always straight in front and the growth of 
the foot symmetrical. If the legs were long and the neck short, 
the growth was more luxuriant upon the outside quarters. In 
some instances where the points of the shoulder were wide and 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 191 

the legs inclined inward, their feet would stand closely together 
and the growth was greater on the inside than on the outside 
quarter ; or vice versa, if the points of the shoulder were nar- 
row, the horse knock-kneed, and the feet apart, the growth 
would be larger on the outer than inner quarter. 

And in fact the variation in growth at quarters may exist to 
a great degree. In all my measurements of the wall from the 
inner floors of the foot to the coronet, I did not find the quar- 
ters vary in thickness one from the other. When the old cus- 
tom existed of making shoes rights and lefts, the inner quar- 
ter was made straighter than the outer, and even up to the 
present day the unskillful farrier, in fitting shoes, files and rasps 
the inner quarter straighter than the outer, to make the hoof 
agree with the shoe. 

After all these examinations, I came to the conclusion that 
there was no right or left to the foot ; that what will fit one foot 
will fit its mate. If the horse does not travel squarely on his 
feet, search out the cause and you will find my statements true. 
It is only the skillful farrier who can adjust shoes to correct 
malformations ; the hind feet difi:er in shape from the fore feet ; 
and it requires more good judgment to shoe the front than the 
hind feet, to keep the horse squarely upon his feet. 

In conclusion, I desire to add briefly, in the light of the 
above facts, that in order to have perfect horses, the feet should 
be kept level and straight in colthood. The surplus growth 
should be pared and removed at least four times a year, and 
oftener, if necessary. For, if the feet be left to grow in a faulty 
position up to maturity, we may expect imperfect feet or legs. 
Almost any imperfect foot or leg, if treated in colthood, can be 
straightened; but if it be neglected to the age of six or seven 
years, it is then too late. A great deal, however, can be done to 
assist nature in restoring the malformation ; and it is not to be 
denied that the usefulness of the horse depends upon good, solid 
feet and le2:s. 



192 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Splay Foot — Knee Hitting. — The term " splay foot " is 
applied to horses that point or spread their toes outward. This 
condition may arise from either one of two causes : first, from a 
fault of conformation, which may be discovered by an examina- 
tion of the limb from the foot to the shoulder. If the toe turns 
out and the upper arm stands in close to the body, the malform- 
ation is in the " splayed " condition of the upper arm or shoulder 
joint. "When this is the case there is no remedy to be found in 
any proposed style of shoeing, for the foot can not be pared to 
bring it straight in line with the median plane of the body with- 
out violently wrenching or twisting the jointed process of the 
shoulder and forearm. 

Second, The cause may be referred to mismanagement or 
improper shoeing of the foot. In this case the arm may be 
normal and the fault confined to the ankle and foot — the pastern 
inclined inward and the toe of the foot turned outward. An 
examination of the hoof under these circumstances will reveal 
that the splayed appearance does not exist in the condition of 
the limb, and is therefore not real but is due to an unbalanced 
foot — the outside of the splay foot being too high at the toe. 
This defect can then be remedied and the foot straightened in 
line with the normal axis of the leg by proper attention in 
shoeing. 

Sometimes this deformity is visible only in one limb, while 
its counterpart may be perfectly straight. An instance of this 
kind that came under my observation was the case of the once 
noted trotter, " Jo Bunker.'' One of his fore limbs curved in- 
ward very noticeably, with the foot splayed or turned outward, 
but the other limb was straight and true to the line of normal 
movement. 

When at rest splay-footed horses always stand with their 
front feet slanting, wide apart, with toes out and heels in ; and 
from this fact it is apparent that the higher the outside toe is, 
the farther and wider will the feet point. The longer, too, that 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 193 

a horse is allowed to remain in this condition, the more difficult 
it will be to remedy it, but much may be done in most cases to 
bring the feet to a correct bearing by timely methods of shoe- 
ing. Splay-footed horses are usually liable to strike or cut their 
knees, hence, in undertaking to shoe them for the prevention of 
this trouble, first examine the position of both fore and hind 
limbs as they stand on a level floor, and note how they are dis • 
posed. Every splay-footed, knee-hitting horse places his front 
feet with the outside margin of the toe first in contact with the 
ground, with a twist to the inside heel as it drops. The outside 
toe being the high point of the foot and standing out of the 
rectilinear way of movement, the knee of that limb can not 
swing out far enough to clear the other in passing. The con- 
trolling power of the muscles is exercised at the ground resist- 
ance, and if the foot leaves the ground straight it will be carried 
straight, but if it inclines to wind or dip in or out, the position 
of the foot on the ground will indicate when it is not in line 
with the normal axis of the limb. 

To overcome knee-hitting in splay-footed horses, the direc- 
tions for leveling and balancing the foot, as per Fig. 23, Chapter 
IV, must be observed. If there is a dished-in of the outside 
quarter and toe, rasp or file it to a line from ground to coronet, 
as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. Then, if more length is required 
for the ground surface, let the shoe extend over the front part 
of the hoof to meet the necessities of the case. The more the 
foot winds or twists the greater the projection of shoe must be 
over outside toe. 

Fig. 79, on the following page, represents the pattern of 
shoe designed for extreme cases of knee hitting, and shows ex- 
tension of web over the rim of outside toe to prevent the inward 
dipping of the foot as it leaves the ground, that carries it over 
against the opposite limb in motion. Where the inside base of 
the hoof can not be pared from toe to heel to bring the foot In 
line with normal center of limb, carefully observe if pastern 



194 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




still inclines inward, and if 
so, it must be made to con- 
form to the right front line 
by building up the inside 
heel with a strip of sole 
leather inserted under the 
shoe, gradually tapering it 
off from the heel to a thin 
edge forward to center of 
toe, and then rivet on the 
leather and affix the shoe. 

On some occasions, as 
where a horse cuts but one 
knee, it may be found that 

A, Inside branch. B, Outside branch, the foot on the injured limb 
C, Rivet hole, for securing leather slips is out of balance, and not 

•when required to straighten the inside , j.-u 4. j +-u i -i-i.- 

^ , , ^ .V. jr . 1 1 q • r the one that does the hittma;. 
heel to place the foot level and in line * 

with the center of limb. The dotted white In SUch event the foot of the 
line indicates extension of shoe over out- -^^:^^.^^ ^^ib, after being 
side toe of foot. '' ° 

properly leveled, may be 

shod with pattern. Fig. 83. The effect of this shoe will be to 

turn or roll the limb out of the way of the other foot by means 

of the outer level on the outside toe. Or on removal of the old 

shoe it can be made to answer the same purpose by welding a 

toe calk on the inner side, about one inch from center of toe, 

the calk to be one-fourth inch high by one inch long. 



Fig. 79. front foot shoe (ground sur- 
face) FOR SPLAY-FOOTED AND CHRONIC 
KNEE-HITTING HORSES. 



Forging or Clicking. — The habit of forging or clicking 
peculiar to many horses may arise either from disproportionate 
construction, or, w^hich is most often the case, from improper 
shoeing; and indeed, from my own personal observation, I am 
led to believe that in many cases both causes may prevail at the 
same time. As one example, a colt, pure-gaited, never before 
shod, may be brought to me for shoeing, and I shoe him in ac- 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 195 

cordance with my best judgment. Upon trial, he may begin to 
forge or cHck at once, or possibly not until after a lapse of time. 
LTpon being brought back to me for a second examination and 
another shoeing, I may be able to detect the fault at once ; pos- 
sibly not, however, until after a third shoeing. It is evident, 
therefore, supposing that I am competent in every way in my 
handicraft, that if that colt continues, as we have above said, to 
forge or click, that we must look for the cause in the animal 
itself. 

Upon examination it will be found that the fourteenth dor- 
sal vertebrae (see skeleton. Fig. 2) is the pivot or axis around 
which the weight is poised, being the center of gravitation. It 
is plain, therefore, that if the symmetry of the horse be afiected 
either by disproportionate construction, by acquired faults or by 
wrong shoeing, that his center of gravity is disturbed ; that is, 
he is unbalanced. And such, in a word, is the general cause of 
the fault under discussion. 

The horse may be heavier in front than behind ; he may be 
too upright in his shoulders ; he may be short in his pasterns. 
His legs may be disproportionately long in comparison with his 
length under the belly. He may have long pasterns and be 
unnaturally long in his sweeps behind, or close gaited behind, 
due to his stifle standing in, his hocks standing out and his 
toes inwardly inclined ; or he may carry his head too higli or 
too low. 

Any one or more of these causes may have been present in 
the example above given, and were brought out upon the first 
shoeing. When, therefore, a horse is found to be subject to 
forging or clicking, the first and all-important thing is to deter- 
mine how he is unbalanced and proceed to distribute equally 
around the center of his gravitation the natural and acquired 
weights he must carry. No general rule can be given for this. 
In the cases above mentioned, one must rely upon his own judg- 
ment and experience. I have had occasion many times to de- 



196 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

termine for myself practically the difference in weight of the 
fore and hind feet of horses, and having cut them off to the 
coronet from the same horses and weighed them, have found 
that the fore feet exceeded the weight of the hind feet on the 
average of two and one-fourth to two and tliree-fourth ounces. 
If now this difference had been a cause of forging, it was ob- 
viously my duty to adjust the difference in weight in the manner 
which I should deem most expedient in restoring the horse to 
his balance. 

To treat successfully the habit of forging or clicking, it is 
necessary that the farrier should know first the gait at which 
clicking occurs, and the proportions and structure, or build, of 
the horse. The feet are then to be examined and the part bf 
the shoe struck by clickings marked. A skillful farrier will 
then be able to determme the causes and the remedies for each. 

If the horse hits the heel of the front foot, clip oft" the heel 
of that shoe on the angle of the foot on the ground surface. If 
he hits on the inside web at the toe, take the weight out of toe 
of shoe from quarters to toe on both sides, leaving the weight 
from quarters to heel. If he hits on the outer quarter, put the 
drop crease on the outside. If he hits on the inside web of 
shoe, concave the shoe on the ground surface at the point 
touched. If the head is carried low, check it up so as to lighten 
the front part ; if too high, check down with standing martin- 
gales to add weight. If the breast collar is too low on the point 
of shoulders, raise it up. If the propelling power behind is 
too great for the front part, shoe with a five-ounce shoe heavier 
behind than in front. If he forges at a certain gait, drive over 
or under the gait. If the horse be a " dweller " with his front 
feet, put on a double rolling-motion shoe, highest at the quar- 
ters, gradually thinning the shoe from quarters to toe, then from 
quarters to heel. The effect of such a shoe will be to quicken 
his action in front. 

The shoes designed for the hind feet should in all cases pro- 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 197 

ject well back at the heels, having good, long-heel calkins. 
The driver or farrier should be able to judge of the weight of 
shoes to be used. I have used four-calkin hind shoes in many 
cases with the best of results. 

Speedy Cutting. — This is caused by the horse being un- 
evenly balanced. Having more propelling power behind, than 
in front — that is, the front feet not being able to get out of the 
way of the hind legs as they pass, the outside of the front foot 
strikes and wounds the inside of the shin bone in the hind lef, 
frequently causing much pain and soreness. It is termed " speed v 
cutting," from happening while the horse is in rapid action. It 
is an evident fact that all horses with bold, lofty knee action 
are not speedy cutters. Those, however, who travel with a low, 
gliding, forward movement, like Lady Thorne, are called " daisy 
cutters," and are proverbially afflicted with speedy cutting in 
rapid motion. To overcome this defect, it is necessary to equal- 
ize the different actions of the parts by quickening that of the 
front and slowing that of the hind. This can only be done in 
shoeing. 

As there are, however, but few trotting horses that can have 
their toes shortened, since it would have a tendency to make 
them double up or shorten their stride, I use for them a double 
rolling-motion flat shoe, gradually thinning the shoe from 
quarters to heel and from quarters to toe, with dropped crease 
on the outer quarters. Such a shoe will allow the front foot to 
land on its heels, roll over the toe more quickly, and get out of 
the way of the hind legs. If the front feet or tendons are sore, 
it would have a tendency to slow the front action of the horse 
in landing, as he fears to hit the ground. In such cases shorten 
the toe of the front foot as much as safety will permit, examine 
the feet as well as the splint bones, for, if soreness is present, 
it will have a tendency to retard the action in front. If the 
horse is a long strider or dweller, apply the scoop-toed, rolling- 



19S SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

motion or the plain rolling-motion shoe, which, being rolled in 
front, will assist the horse in getting over the toe of the foot 
quickly, and thus get out of the way of the other parts. In 
dressing the hind feet, lower the heels as much as safety will 
permit, keeping the front part of the toes at the natural angle, 
so as to have all the ground surface possible. Apply the shoe. 
Fig. 106. By placing loug heel calkins at the sides of the heels, 
or allowing the shoe to extend at least one-half inch longer than 
the heel of the foot, the down action of the flexor perforans will 
be lessened, and in a relative degree, the quick-up action of the 
foot will also be lessened. The weight of the shoes to be worn 
must be determined accurately by the driver or proprietor. 
I have often shod this class of trotting horses with front 
shoes weighing eleven ounces, and with hind shoes weighing 
fifteen ounces, before I could get them balanced and square in 
their gait. 

Running horses are more liable to obtain speedy cuts than 
trotting horses ; this is occasioned principally by the carrying 
of weight upon their backs, the weight being placed more di- 
rectly on their front legs than on their hind ones. In plating 
running horses to overcome this difficulty, level and straighten 
the front feet, having the heels and frog of an even bearing 
when the feet are placed on the ground ; shoe with thin three- 
quarter tips, beveling the outside of the plate from the ground 
to the sole-bearing surface, so as to obviate the possibility of 
the leg being cut by the shoe in passing. The punishment of 
speedy cutting is oftentimes so severe that the race is lost by the 
horse being unable to withstand it without his speed being re- 
tarded more or less. 

Ankle, Shin and Knee Cutting. — In ankle or shin cutting, 
it will generally be observed that the ankles are tilted inward. 
Cutting often depends weakness or leg weariness, and is liable 
to happen to horses when driven long distances or when they 



FAULTY COXFORMATIOX AXD MOVEMENT. 



199 



aro carrying heavy shoes. Contraction and also soreness in the 
splint bones will cause a horse to cut, which almost always is the 
result of improper shoeing and bad management of the feet. 
All can be stopped by properly leveling and balancing the foot, 
and the appliance of a suitable shoe. When the position of the 
foot is faulty, it must be ob- 
vious that the remedy con- 
sists in altering its improper 
position and straightening 
it, as much as can be accu- 
rately done, according to 
the instructions given with 
Fig. 23, Chap. IV. 

When the toe is the 
part which inflicts the wound 
use a square-toed shoe like 
1^0. 147, shown in case of 
shoes, Fig. 140. This will 
let the foot break over the 
toe square, and in straight 




Fig. 80. front foot four calkin shoe, 
to be used for the relief of soreness 
in the flexor perforans, or cases op 
going or close-gaited horses, quarter crack, where toe and heel 

CALKINS ARE REQUIRED, AS WELL AS FOR 
SORENESS AT THE TOE AND FOR SPLIT FOOT 
IN FRONT. 



the foot will generally pass 
the knee without hitting. 



Sprains of the Ten- 



To be beveled from A, A, to B ; also 
from C, C, to wall-bearing surface at heel. 
A, A, Front toe calks to be beveled off on 
dons. — As its name implies, ground surface to front of toe at B. 

this complaint is an injury ^' ^' ^^^j '^^^^ ^.^^^ beveled from" 

'- >) >/ ground surface to wall-bearing surface, 

to the back sinew, from the 

eiFects of overtaxation. Work-horses are liable to become so 

afiected, though it occurs more frequently in the running and 

trotting horses, by reason of their immense strides, the force of 

which has a tendency — when prolonged to a certain extent — 

to cause the tendons to become swollen and inflamed. 

For horses suflfering with sore tendons, the four-calkin roll- 



200 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

ing motion shoe, illustrated on the preceding page, will be found 
a successful remedy. 

The shoe should extend well back at the heels, the calkins 
being at least one-half inch higher at the heels than at the sides 
of the toe, where it should be well beveled on the ground sur- 
face, in order that the horse may be enabled to " get over " the 
toe of his foot with but little strain on the flexor perforans. 

I have also found the scoop-toed rolling-motion shoe very 
successful in the cases of trotting and running horses. The feet 
should always be well leveled and straightened, and the toes 
shortened as much as safety will permit, A preliminary appli- 
cation of warm-water bandages may be found beneficial. 

Elbow and Arm Cutting. — When a horse has too much 
freedom in the action of the knee of his fore leg, which causes 
it to bend under him, when lifted, in such a manner as to strike 
and bruise the limb, it is called elbow or arm cutting. To over- 
come this difiiculty, the heel of the foot should be pared as low 
as it can be safely done. The toe, on the contrary, should be 
left long. The shoe should be light, for the lighter the shoe the 
less liability there is of the elbow or arm being cut. The web 
of the shoe should be narrow, especially from the quarters to 
the toe. The shoe should be well concaved on its ground sur- 
face, from the heel to the toe, particularly so in the case of 
horses who cut or hit the arm or elbow with the heel. (It may 
here be observed that the greater number of horses cut their 
elbows with the toe.) 

Adjustable Toe Weight. — The devices next shown in Figs. 
81 and 82, for balancing the action of horses has many features 
which will recommend it to attention. I have used it for many 
years, and it has proven to give satisfaction in all cases. The 
following is the method of adjusting it to the foot : 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 



201 




In case the horse's 
stride is short, place the 
weight over No. 4, as 
shown in diagram ; by 
so doing, the weight is 
at the extremity of the 
toe and muscle of the 
arm. In case one foot 
is longer in the stride 
than the other, place 
the weight on the short 
striding foot over ^-o. ^'^- ^^- ^^^^stable toe weight. 

- , , A, Ground surface of drop-crease shoe attached 

4, and on the long strid- ^^ f^ot i^ 2, 3, 4, Points to which weight is ad- 

ing foot over No.- 3. justed. 
Drive the horse, and if the 
stride is not equal place the 
weight on the long striding 
foot over letter 2. Drive 
the horse a few days, and if 
this does not have the de- 
sired effect, and his stride is 
not equal, place a weight on 
the short striding foot at 
No. 4, two or three ounces 
heavier than the other. The 
great success of this weight 
depends on the skillfulness v,^ co ^ ^ 

^ l-IG. &2, GROUND TREAD OF SHOE SHOWN 

of the driver to properly in Fig. 81, to prevent arm and elbow 

T , ■, , V cutting. 

adjust it so as to equalize 

the stride of the horse. A, Toe calk around the curve of shoe 

Another great advan- j- ^--t to be from U in. to | in. high 

c^ U, B, B, B, Bevel around inner nm of 

tage of this weight is that shoe and on outside at heels. C, Spur in 

you can give the horse foot ^'■''°* ""^ ^^^°'' carrying weight, as shown 

on side view, Fig. 81. D, D, Inner face 
action or take it awa}', by of toe weight. 




202 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




the raising or lowering of 
the weights on the foot. By 
placing both weights over 
No, 1, the weights, being 
placed over the center of the 
foot, will prevent the foot 
from bending or doubling at 
the toe, and will stop the 
worst cases of elbow and 
arm cutting. 



Fig. 83. right front foot shoe, to pre- 
vent ANKLE, SHIN AND KNEE HITTING. 

C, Starting point of bevel at center of 
toe to a thin feather edge at B, then 
gradually lessening the bevel around the ^p Qgjte foot from the point 
outside rim of shoe to A. 

of the inside toe to about 



Ankle, Shin and Knee 
Hitting. — As a rule horses 
so affected, hit one leg or the 
other by striking it with the 



the heel nail. 




Fig. 84. 



A, Inside toe calkin, 
calkin. 



By beveling oii" the shoe on the outside rim, 
therefore, as shown in Fig. 83, 
from C to B, at middle of toe, 
to A, at last nail hole, will pre- 
vent any thing like an inward 
lip as the foot leaves the 
ground, and will cause the 
mkle and knee to be carried 
)utward from the opposite foot 
md thus avoid becoming 
)rui8ed or cut. 

Fig. 84 shows a hind foot 
shoe intended for extreme 
cases of ankle hitting, where 
the horse hits with the inside 
point of the toe. This occurs 
with horses that stand in the 



LEFT HIND FOOT SHOE FOR 
ANKLE HITTING. 



B, Inside heel 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 203 

faulty position illustrated in Fig. 74, No. 5, having their hocks 
turned outwardly and consequently their toes turned in. In 
this case, a toe-calk should be placed on the inside, at the strik- 
ing point of the foot, and also a side heel calkin. This will 
prevent any thing like an inward dip as the foot leaves the 
ground, and sufficient to carry it beyond the ankle of the oppo- 
site foot. 



204 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER IX. 
SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 

ITS PURPOSE AND SCOPE DELINEATED. 

The special purposes of shoeing will be considered under 
this head as applying to " all sorts and conditions " of feet — 
especially defective and diseased conditions — for which certain 
merits are claimed for many difi'erent styles of shoes, in remedy- 
ing or curing the special defects against which they are directed. 
No one need be told that in operating upon feet of this kind, 
the highest discretion of the farrier is called upon, for it is not 
the application of a given style of shoe to the foot in a given 
way, but it is the scientific adaptation of a special kind of shoe, 
varied for special purposes, to suit different conditions of the 
foot, with a view of securing certain beneficial results. Thus 
regarded, this section of my subject becomes withal one of the 
most interesting phases of all the branches of shoeing. 

There are a large number of artificers who make horseshoe- 
ing a profession, who offer convincing testimony of having 
mastered the principles of their art (as proved by their skill 
in this department of it), that I should doubtless have made an 
exception in their favor in my strictures on the careless bun- 
glers who belittle the importance of the profession and unmake 
the well-deserved reputations of the more finished artists in the 
business. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 205 

In the development of that '• paragon of horseflesh " — the 
trotter — the matter of shoeing for specilic purposes has received 
more attention at the hands of all classes of men, and has made 
more progress and achieved greater triumphs in American than 
in any other land. 

This is a department of the farrier's art that ranks with 
the best and most ingenious of other mechanical arts, and is 
justly entitled to the highest praise that can be bestowed 
upon it. 

I have devised many diflerent styles of shoes admirably ef- 
fective for leveling and perfecting the action and the gait of 
horses, as well as for removing the cause and thereby healing 
the eflfect of various foot ailments, but as many of them are 
applicable — in a large measure — to horses used solely for speed 
purposes, any attempt at a complete classitication at this time is 
precluded by the limits assigned for this work. I will, therefore, 
confine myself to a selection of such patterns as may be re- 
garded the most useful for the purpose in view, though the next 
succeeding chapter will contain an assembly of one hundred 
and seventy other forms of shoes, all enumerated and described 
for convenient reference. 

When rightly made and applied as directed, any of these 
shoes will prove potent auxiliaries in assisting to relieve the 
faults or troubles for which they are especially designed or in- 
tended, as explained in each instance — and this applies to the 
higher breeds of horses, as well as to others whose lot is cast in 
the humbler, if more useful walks of life. 

Any correspondence or inquiries addressed to me relative 
to the matters in question, will receive prompt and careful at- 
tention at my hands. 



206 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 85. original centennial shoe 
designed by s. t. harris. 



Centennial Shoe, No. 1. — 
Fig. 85, is one of the many 
I exhibited at the Centennial 
Exposition at Philadelphia in 
1876. It was designed by Mr. 
S. T. Harris, of Cincinnati. 
The shoe derives its name from 
the year in which it was in- 
nted and exhibited, and it 
has been in use a long time, 
with very gratifying success. 

It conforms more to the 
shape of the foot than any shoe 
ever used. The wings, A, A, 
bear evenly on the bars of the foot, afibrding the greatest pos- 
sible bearing surface to the heels, and serve to distribute equally 
over the whole ground surface of the foot the concussion sus- 
tained, which, by reason of the position of the heels, is greatest 
at this point. 

After the Centennial shoe has been worn for a few days and 
then removed from the foot, the inclination and position of the 
wings afiord a useful and valuable deduction. The question 
has long been mooted among writers and farriers, what part of 
the foot expands the hoof, whether the wall, the bars, or the 
frog. Eminent authorities have given this active agency in turn 
to each one of the members I have mentioned, but the inclina- 
tion of the wings of a worn Centennial shoe indicates an active 
agency of the bars in co-operating with the other parts of the 
foot that have not heretofore received adequate consideration. 
The wings of the shoe not only fall out in their bearings to the 
extreme points of the bars, but they are careened outwardly, the 
inside branches being higher than the outside branches, thus 
showing by their outward inclination that the bars have an ac- 
tive and constant agency in keeping the foot normally expanded. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



207 




As a hoof expander, therefore, we derive from the Centennial 
shoe one of its most valuable uses. 

Centennial Shoe, No. 2. 
— Fig. 86. This shoe, also 
exhibited at the Centennial 
Exposition, conforms as closely 
as possible to the natural shape 
of the hoof, and places the 
pressure just where nature de- 
mands. Especially is it bene- 
ficial to the trotting horse that 
requires toe weights to balance 
his actions, because it is heavy 
in front and operates power- 
fully in assisting the extensor 
to lengthen the stride. When 
a shoe of this pattern weighing 
sixteen ounces is lifted by the 
heel, it seems to weigh at least 

two pounds. The inner rim on ground surface is to be well 
concaved, as shown by letters, A, A, the heels to be swedged 
out with a round, blunt, fullering tool, as shown in B, B, so as 
to get good heel and bar pressure. 

In applying this style of shoe to a horse inclined to mix and 
shift his gait, bear in mind to leave a long toe. Three nails in 
each quarter is sufficient to hold the shoe to the foot. This shoe 
will produce most satisfactory results, if properly applied. 

Centennial Shoe, No. 3. — Fig. 87, on next page, is another 
modified form of the Centennial shoe before described, and with 
the others was exhibited by me at the Centennial Exposition. 
It is more easily made, yet embraces the same principle of bar 
pressure. It can be made from any ordinary flat shoe, the wings 
to be swedged out solidly by means of a blunt, round, fullering 



Fig. 86. modified form ce.vtennial 
toe-weight shoe, designed by s. t. 

HARRIS. 

A, A, Bevel around inner rim of 
shoe on ground surface. B, B, Grooves 
at heels to obtain bar pressure. 



208 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




tool, until they extend over 
the bars, as shown at A, A, A, 
A. This style of shoe I con- 
sider to be of especial advan- 
tage to recover the wiring-in 
of the crusts at the heels. By 
following the wall close up to 
the sides of the frog, it obtains 
strong bar pressure, and gives 
the frog free access to the 
ground. If the sole of the foot 
evinces a tendency to be flat 
Fig. 87. another modified form and tender, it is quite necessary 

CENTENNIAL SHOE, DESIGNED BY S. T. , i i. -x i? • • 4.^^ 

to protect it irom miury until 

HARRIS. ^ o ^ 

A, A, A, A, Grooves deepening and it becomes strong. The only 
widening toward sole-bearing surface, ^ay in which this can be done 

is by adding to the web in the shoe. As the sole gradually re- 
news itself and becomes thicker, reduce the width of the shoe. 
In two or three shoeings, the foot will become strong, when the 
narrow-w^ebbed shoe may 
be resorted to. 

Fig. 88. To make shoe, 
take a steel bar 1^ by f 
inches, of twice the length 
from center of the toe to 
either heel — otherwise suf- 
ficiently long to extend the 
required distance round 
the foot. Strike a center 
at a point half the length 
from toe to heel on each 
side. Then with a chisel, 
cut down through the ^^^- ^^- ^^^«^° ^^^^^^ ^^« ^°°=' "^^ 

° REDUCE CONCUSSION AND SOFTEN THE STROKE 

middle of bar each way — of footfalu 




SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



209 



stopping at a point to leave material enough where the ends of 
the wings unite with the shoe, then cut ofi" the surplus stock in 
center to leave the wings of the desired length, beginning at a 
distance from each end, equal to the length of the wings de- 
sired, and continue to the required distance from the ends of 
the bars. 

Taper the wings from heels to points and bend the shoe to 
the form of the foot. Make the wings conform to the shape of 
the frog. Then fit the shoe to the foot, springing the wings 
gradually from heels to points and leaving them standing one- 
half inch below face of shoe. I have tested this shoe on horses 
that were quite sore and lame, the shoe being made of cast steel, 
the bars being sprung down from the heel to their points on the 
ground surface about one-half inch ; this will soften and mellow 
the jar. The shoe, being v/ell tempered, will allow the bars to 
spring with the horse's weight, 
and will be found one of the 
best devices possible to soften 
and relieve the efi*ects of con- 
cussion when the horse is ten- 
der in foot or tendons, as well 
as to quicken the action in 
trotting, leaving the frog free 
and unimpeded to perform its 
important functions of cushion- 
ing the foot and shielding the 
sensitive parts from injury. 

The benefit of this shoe 
can only be obtained on hard Fig. 89. front foot scoop-toe, roll- 

T , ING motion SHOK. 

roads or tracks. 

Fiff 89 This shoe can be ^' "^' Commencement of scoop on 

^' ■ each side of toe. B to C, Direction of 

readily made. It begins to be scoop from out to in. C, Point where 

gradually thinned on the face '^°°P ^^ deepest. D to D, Bevel from 

° , ground surface to wall-bearing surface 

at A, A, until the centers at on each heel 
14 




210 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 90. front foot shoe, known 
as the " goldsmith maid bar shoe," 
heart-sunken and dkop-creased. 




Fig. 91. front foot shoe, to lessen 
knee action, shorten the stride, and 
to prevent forging. 

A, A, Concave on ground surface 
around toe. B, B, B, B, Concave on 
ground surface around quarters. C, C, 
Outer ground surface to be kept flush 
with face of shoe. 



B, C, are reached, when on 
its outer edge, it should be 
not more than two-thirds its 
original thickness, dipping 
deeper inwardly toward C, 
where it should be quite 
thin. The effect of this will 
be to lessen the ground sur- 
face of the foot, and quicken 
the action of the fore legs. 
This shoe will also be found 
beneficial for horses sore in 
the toes and tendons. 

Fig. 90. This shoe is 
applicable for a number of 
diseases of the foot, such as 
weak and bruised heels, 
quarter cracks, etc. It is 
also used extensively among 
trotting horses, the shoes be- 
ing reduced down so light, 
they serve to keep the shoe 
from spreading on the foot, 
when the horse is in violent 
action. By having the bar 
set down below the face of 
the shoe, it serves the same 
purpose as an open shoe. 
This style of shoe is quite 
beneficial for long-striding 
horses, as they land mostly 
on the heels, and by having 
the shoe thinned well back 
at the heel, it will prevent 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



211 



the foot from becoming bruised. I believe that an occasional 
change to the open shoe will be beneficial in giving the foot 
more active use of the frog. 

Fig. 91, on the opposite page, illustrates a front foot shoe 
designed to prevent forging, to lessen knee action and shorten 
the stride. 

1. For forging, if the hind foot hits under the toe, clip out 
in the toe as shown in the foregoing diagram. Lessening the 
weight from quarters to the toe will allow the horse to get his 
foot quicker out of the road of the hind foot, thus preventing 
this defect. 

2. If the horse has too much knee action and stride, taking 
the weight from toe, as shown opposite, lessens the stride and 
knee action and serves to equalize the gait. 

In either case the shoe is to be gradually thickened from A, 
A, to the heels. By so doing the front foot will be assisted in 
getting out of way of the 
hind foot, and where the hind 
foot hits up under the toe, 
forging will be prevented. 

Fig. 92. Horses that 
paddle do so by reason of 
the faulty position of the 
leg and foot. Paddling con- 
sists in springing from the 
inside toe when the foot 
leaves the ground, causing 
it to swing out from the 
body. The shoe (Fig. 92) 
was designed to assist nature 
in equalizing the weight, 
through the axis of the leg 
and foot, and is shown here 
from the ground side. 




Fig. 92. improved non-paddling 
front foot shoe, designed by s. t. 

HARRIS. 

Bevel outer rim of shoe from inner 
A to a thin edge at outer B, gradually 
diminishing the bevel to outer A, back 
of the quarter. 



212 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



To prevent paddling, place as wide a web upon the inside 
branch of shoe as the foot will admit of. The inside branch 
of the shoe to be beveled from the ground surface on the angle 
of the foot from toe to heel. The outside branch is to be made as 
light as possible. Commence to bevel from A to B, to be car- 
ried to B to a thin edge, as shown in diagram. This shoe has 
given uniform satisfaction wherever used as I have directed. 

Fig. 93. I use this shoe 
for knee sprung and sore ten- 
dons. It can be made of any 
thickness or width to suit. In- 
asmuch as elevation gives re- 
lief to knee sprung and sore 
tendons, thickness at the heels 
must be judged of according 
to the necessities of the case. 
Select the bar required and 
bend it around center, shape: 
both sides of toes and quarters,, 
gradually narrowing the bar 
edgewise from center of toe to 
heel. 

As the bar diminishes in 
width it increases in thickness 
toward the heels. Then commence at inner B, gradually bevel- 
ing to outer B, extending as far back as shown in diagram on 
both sides of quarters. As the web at the toe shortens on the 
ground surface, the thickness at the heels gives elevation. 
The beveling from inner to outer web lessens the ground surface 
of the shoe. This shoe, when properly made and adjusted, is 
the best I have ever used for sprung knee and sore tendons. 

Fig. 94. The shoe on the opposite page I use for laminitis, 
quarter crack, split hoof, bruised heels, contracted feet and 
tender-footedness ; and it has always given the best satisfaction. 




Fig. 93. rolling motion shoe no. 1. 
for knee sprung and sore tendons. 

A, A, A, A, Bevel on heel of shoe 
from ground surface to wall-bearing. 
B, B, Bevel from inner to outer surface 
of ground-bearing, as shown. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



213 




The shoe is made in this 
way : Take a bar of the re- 
quired width and thickness 
and bend it. Shape both sides 
from toe to heel. Commence 
beveling on outer surface, the 
bevel gradually" diminishing at 
the inside web of shoe. Ex- 
tend this operation from toe 
to heel on ground surface. In- 
crease the web of shoe in pro- 
portion as the ground surface 
requires to be shortened. ^^^- 94. rolling motion shoe no. 2, 

„, rr' ^ n ,1 • 1 ^^^ VARIOUS PURPOSES, AS DESCRIBED. 

Ihe eiiect ot this shoe on „ , , , , „ 

io be beveled all around on ground 

the foot will be to lessen the surface, from inside to outside of web, 
ground surface, breaking the ^' '^°^°- 

jar at each footfall, bringing the foot more under the leg, and al- 
lowing it to roll easily, in the forward movement at point of toe. 

Fig. 95. Although roll- 
ing-motion shoes Nos. 1 and 
2 will prevent tripping and 
stumbling, all horses can 
not travel with ease and 
comfort when wearing a full 
rolling-motion shoe. For 
such cases, therefore, I de- 
signed shoe. Fig. 95. I have 
elsewhere stated that stumb- 
ling will arise from straight 
shoulders, short, upright pas- 
terns, high heels and carry- 
ing the head low. The more 
FRONT FOOT SHOE, TO PREVENT gtiffness aud sorcuess there 

STUMBLING AND GIVE GRACEFUL KNEE AC- 
TION, is apparent, the higher the 




Fig. 95. 



214 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

foot ia to be raised from the ground to prevent the toe tripping 
or stumbling. 

To make the shoe, cut a bar of the required width and 
thickness, and shape the shoe from toe to heel, making quarters 
the same as an ordinary shoe. Next, take a round, blunt full- 
ering tool, and scoop out at points A, A, gradually thinning 
from inside web to outside web. After swedging, clip ofi* with 
a chisel the surplus to the circle of the foot ; then hot-rasp the 
outer rim of shoe, leaving the ground surface as seen in the 
preceding diagram. 

If Fig. 95 is properly made, and the foot placed on its 
natural angle, the worst cases of tripping and stumbling can be 
prevented. 

If calkins are required for winter use, set the toe calk well 
back from the front of shoe, and weld on side heel calkins. 

This style of shoe can be successfully employed in giving 
the horse graceful knee action, as it will allow the toe to break 
over quickly and an increase of weight will cause the muscles 
of the limbs and shoulders to be brought more into play in lift- 
ing the feet from the ground. 

Another shoe to accomplish the same result is the four-cal- 
kin shoe, made as described and shown in Fig. 80 ; both shoes 
will give a sprightly down grade style of action. 

To increase hock action, if front shoes weigh 20 ounces 
each, make hind shoes 18 ounces or in that proportion, for in- 
creased or diminished weight. Any ordinary shoe will answer 
the purpose for the hind feet, by having increased weight in shoe 
the reflex action of picking up the foot is increased, which 
causes the hock to bend more and lift the foot higher from 
the ground, and the graceful effect is heightened with increase 
of speed. 

Fig. 96. By shoeing with the style of shoe on the opposite 
page — properly made and applied — the weight being principally 
in the toe, at the extremities of the muscles, the action will be 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



215 




Fig. 96. front foot shoe, for balancing 
and squaring the action and gait of 
horses, when inclined to rack or pace 
and shuffle. 



squared and balanced. In 
order that the shoe may 
have the desired efiect, 
the quarters must he well 
concaved from the ground 
surface. In proportion 
then, as the weight is les- 
sened in the quarters, the 
toe of the shoe will be 
relatively heavier. This 
shoe can be used to quicken 
the horse's action by being 
rolled on the ground sur- 
face. I have used it with 
the most satisfactory re- 
sults. 

Fig. 97. This shoe is intended only for slow work in gait- 
ing^horses. If the shoe be made according to the instructions 

following, and head checked 
down with standing martin- 
gale, as described in Chap. Y, 
page 110, balancing the action 
of horses, a pacer that never 
struck a trot will trot at once. 
To make the shoe, select a 
bar of iron one-half inch 
thick, and shape the toe and 
quarters, then with a chisel cut 
from center of quarters, leav- 
insr one-half inch thickness at 
toe. Gradually draw the shoe 
Fig. 97. improved toe-weight shoe, thinner from toe to heel ; cut 

A, A, Insertion for the frog, at A, A, to allow for the frog. 
B, B, B, B, Concave on ground sur- ° 

face. The inner edges, B, B, B, B, 




216 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



are to be made concave on ground surface, and just in propor- 
tion as the quarters and heels are lightened, weight is to be 
added to the toe. A shoe of this pattern will assist the horse 
in the extension of his stride more than any other shoe made 
in the ordinary way and weighing thirty ounces. 

I have never failed to make a pacer trot, if shod in this 
manner. 

Fig. 98. I use this shoe 
for founder, laminitis, ring- 
bone, and anchylosis. 

For founder, the bottom of 
the foot should be pared quite 
thin; and after the shoes are 
nailed on, stand the horse in 
8oaking-tubs filled with warm 
water, for half a day, then ap- 
ply hot poultices to the bottom 
of the feet. 

For laminitis, bear in mind 

T^ no ,^.„T„ to keep all pressure from the 

Fig. 98. front foot turn-table *''-' r i 

SHOE, FOR ANCHYLOSIS, LAMINITIS OR toc, aud kccp up the liot watcr 




treatment same as recom- 
mended for founder. 

For ring-bone, keep the 
foot pared as low as can be 
Ring-bone causes 



FOUNDER, VILLITIS, AND RINGBONE. 

A, A, Bevel of toe to B. C, C, Bevel 
from quarters to heels, D, D. E, Cen- 
ter of plate, IJ in. wide by h in. thick, 
welded on center of quarters and ta- 
pering each way to P, P, P, P, the 
center at E being the highest point by safely done 
I in. to 4 in., on which the horse must ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^ j^-^ ^^^^^ 
stand squarely poised. 

and this shoe will greatly assist 

in getting over the toe as well as turning around — allowing the 

foot to roll with an easy sort of rocker motion, and with but 

little strain on the aflected parts. I have never failed to make 

a horse travel well on hard roads. The horse can turn himself 

around as easily as though on a turn-table. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



217 




Fig. 99. common sense shoe, to 
correct any faulty movements. 

A, Inside toe calkin. 



Fig. 99. In nearly all 
cases, horses that cut their 
anliles in front place the 
outer side of the foot to the 
ground first, then the foot 
drops quickly to the inside 
heel. As it drops, the ankle . 
is thrown inwardly toward 
the opposite foot, and in 
passing the ankle the foot 
hits against the ankle of the 
stationary foot. This will he 
observed if a horse with this 
habit be walked and his 
front action be carefully 
noted. 

In shoeing a horse of this character, therefore, it should be 
the custom of the farrier to walk the horse up and down on 
level ground to ascertain how he steps on his feet. If he steps 
on the outer toe, first carefully pare the foot level and straight, 
as directed. After which apply the above shoe, with inside toe 
calkin. Then set the outside calk, thus shortening the ground 
surface, and place side heel calkin on the shoe. This will 
allow a broader tread and prevent twisting of the foot as it 
leaves the ground. In the forward movement, the foot will 
turn over the outside toe quickly and carry its ankle out of 
the reach of the cutting ankle. Place the shoe on the foot, 
corresponding with the ankle hit, the toe calkin, A, always 
on the inside. 

This shoe can also be used to correct any faulty step, as the 
ground surface can be increased or diminished without destroy- 
ing the shape of the foot. 



218 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Pig. 100. When us- 
ing shoe, if the horse toes 
out, place a wide web on 
the inside ; if he toes in, 
place the wide web on the 
outside. If he brushes 
his ankles, shins or knees, 
when the foot is directly 
under the axis of the leg, 
close up the nail holes in 
the toe on the inside, and 
place them in back of 
quarters, as shown in dia- 
gram. The inside is to be 
beveled on ground surface 
as shown at A, A. If the 
shoe is properly placed 
it can not fail to be of 
great service to the horse, 
and do all that is claimed 
for it. 

Fig. 101. This style 
is known as the rolling- 
motion shoe, and is used 
to quicken the action of 
the horse in front, show- 
ing the length of the shoe 
at the heel and the roll at 
the toe, with the nails 
driven in the quarters. 
Fig. 102. The shoe on the opposite page is intended for 
draft horses. If the horse pulls from the outside toe, the out- 
side quarter and heel will wire in. To overcome this tendency, 
I designed this style of shoe. Any ordinary shoe may be 



Fig. 100. front foot side weight 
shoe, to prevent ankle or knee-hit- 
TING. 

A, A, Inside rim to be beveled on the 
ground tread. 




Fig. 101. SIDE view of foot, with a 

ROLLING MOTION SHOE. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



219 



used, on Avhich the toe- 
piece at "A," may be 
welded, which should ex- 
tend from the outside rim 
of the shoe, say from one- 
half inch to an inch. 
Stave up the outside heel 
of the shoe sufficiently to 
get good broad covering 
for the narrowed-in heel 
and quarter. Use the 
round fullering tool to 
swedge the shoe wide 
enough to obtain good bar 
pressure. Turn up heels 
and weld a calk on the 
outside heel, and fit the 
shoe snugly to the wall 
up to both sides of the 
frog. 

The eiFect of the pro- 
jecting toe-piece is to brace 
or stay the weak part of 
the ankle and foot, and in 
two or three shoeings the 
foot will become natural 
in its m.ovement8, and 
fairly returned to its nor- 
mal state. 

Fig. 103. This is 
another style of shoe for 
draft horses, as explained 
by the references under 
the cut. 




Fig. 102. front foot shoe, for draft 

HORSE. 

A, Outside toe calk. B, Side-heel calk. 




Fig. 103. front foot shoe, for draft 

HORSES that wear HARD ON THE OUT- 
SIDE TOE AND HEEL. 

A, Outside toe calk. B, Indicates the 
location of a clip to be turned up on the 
outside rim of the shoe to hold it more 
firmly to the foot. 



220 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Tig. 104. fkont foot shoe, to prevent 
paddling, ankle and shin cutting. 

A, Projection at side of toe, to be placed 
on the outside to remedy paddling, and on 
the inside to stop ankle or shin cutting. 



/<?> 




Fig. 105. front foot shoe, designed 

FOR bruised and ULCERATED HEELS OR 
CORNS, showing THE WALL-BEARING A, A. 



• Fig. 104. When the 
foot has an outward dip 
over the inside toe it is 
called padding. Use shoe, 
Fig. 104, placing the pro- 
jecting toe-piece, A, on 
the inside of shoe. If the 
foot has an inward dip in 
leaving the ground, it is 
liable to hit the ankle or 
shin on the opposite leg. 
For such cases place the 
toe piece on the outside of 
the shoe as this will make 
the foot break straight 
over the toe. The toe- 
piece to extend one-half 
to three-quarter inch be- 
yond the rim of shoe. 

Fig. 105. This shoe 
is easily made. Take a 
shoe stiff' at heels and cut 
it out from wall-bearing 
surfaces to the inner rims, 
as shown at A, A. If 
only one heel is affected, 
concave on that side, at 
the place of bruise. Pare 
the commissures and bars 
all around the diseased 
part as thin as the safety 
of the foot will permit. 
Then punch holes in each 
heel with a round punch^^ 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



221 



large enough to receive a one-sixteenth inch rivet. Then rivet 
a leather on the shoe, covering the bottom of the foot. Fill 
the bottom of the foot with fat pork out of the brine, and nail 
the shoe on lightly. 

Soak the feet in warm water for two hours. The pork will 
draw and assist in removing all soreness from the part. If these 
instructions are closely followed, I will guarantee that the Avorst 
case of corns can be cured in thirty days. They have never 
failed me. 

Fig. 106. This shoe was 
designed by the late Mr. Dan 
Mace for the noted mare, Lady 
Thorne. Great skill was re- 
quired in adjusting to her feet 
shoes of suitable weight to 
balance her action. This was 
effected by Mr. Mace by fit- 
ting her with shoes as shown 
herewith, weighing 12 ounces 
each in front, and 14 ounces 
each behind ; after which, her 
action was as regular as the 
pendulum of a clock. 

This shoe should fit snugly ance and slow the action op the 

,1 c j_ . T, xi 1 c trotting horse, designed by dan 

on the foot up to both sides or 

^ mace. 

the frog, the heels inclining ^^ ^ ^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ 
outward. The shoe being long- front part of shoe to ground surface, 
er than the foot at the heels, C, C Heel calkins gradually lowered 

toward quarters, 
destroys the down action of 

the fiexor perforans, which serves to lessen the quick up ac- 
tion. The length of the heels also gives more ground surface 
to the foot, which requires a longer interval for the horse to get 
over his toe. I have used this shoe with satisfactory results. 




Fig. 106. hind foot shoe, to bal- 



222 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 107. hind foot shoe, for track 
and road horses. 
\Ve\\ beveled on ground surface, as 
shown by letters A, A, A. 



Fig. 107. This shoe is 
made of steel, and is well 
beveled on the ground sur- 
face. If the horse is a long 
strider, turn up small heel 
calkins so as to serve as a 
check to the foot in landing ; 
if a short strider, heel cal- 
kins are not required. Fit 
the shoe the same length as 
the foot (as shown in this 
figure), so as not to retard the 
down action of the flexor 
perforans. By following the 
above directions the speed 
of the horse will not be re- 
tarded. 

Fig. 108. This hind 
foot shoe is intended for an 
extreme case of ankle hit- 
ting, where the horse hits 
with the inside point of the 
toe. This occurs with horses 
that stand in a faulty posi- 
tion having their toes turned 
in. In such cases a toe-calk 
should be placed on the in- 
side, at the striking point 
of the foot, A, and also a 
side heel calkin, B. This 
will prevent any thing like 
an inward dip of the foot, 
as the horse starts, and will cause an outward dip sufficient to carry 
the foot beyond the ankle of the opposite leg without striking it. 




Fig. 108. hind foot shoe, for ankle 

HITTING. 

A, Inside toe calk. B, Inside heel 
calk. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



223 




Fig. 109. This shoe, 
if properly made and ad- 
justed to the foot, will not 
fail to do all that is claimed 
for it. Trotting horses vary- 
so greatly that no rule can 
be laid down applicable to 
all, beyond the general ob- 
servation to shoe each horse 
in accordance with his shape, 
build and gait, with diftier- 
ently weighted and con- 
structed shoes. 

The shoe in question 
should be used only on 
horses with their hind legs 
inclined to stand under the 
body. On close examination 

of the hind legs from the hock, we find the two nind feet close 
together, and the legs open between the hocks ; we notice the 
pasterns from the union of the upper pastern to the lower por- 
tion of the cannon-bone leaning outwardly. Dropping plumb 
lines from the inner and outer sides of the hock to the ground, 
we observe that both will hang, the one on the outer and the 
other toward the outer side, and that the weight does not pass 
through the axis of the leg and foot. In proportion, therefore, 
as these lines are distant from their normal position, the outer 
branch of the shoe will require to be turned outwardly to meet 
the vertical, and as the inside heel calkin of the shoe is lowered, 
just so much will the upper pastern be brought near the center 
line through axis of foot and leg. 

The inside branch of shoe is to fit snugly to the inner wall 
of foot. The outside branch of shoe, extending well back of 
heel and leg, will serve as a brace to support the upper pastern 



Fig. 109. hind foot shoe, to widen 
the action. 

A, Inside branch. B, Ending of in- 
side toe calk. C, Ending of outside 
toe calk. Lines A B, A C show circle 
of toe. 



224 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 110. 



and the shank or cannon-bone. When the horse in motion lands 
his foot upon the ground, the heel of the foot on the inside be- 
ing the lowest, the inner muscle will bear the greater strain ; 
and as the foot leaves the ground, the outer muscle will spring 

back, carrying the foot out- 
wardly over the outside part 
of the toe, thus widening the 
tride as the foot leaves the 
ground, and allowing the hind 
leg to pass the fore foot and 
avoid speedy cutting. 

Fig. 110. To equalize 
the wearing. — This represents 
a style of shoe adapted for 
horses that wear heavily on one 
side of the foot. This often 
occurs from, an inclination of 
the pastern to lean in or out, 
thus causibg the shoe to wear 
more on the side to which the 
foot and pastern leans than on 
the other. If the wear is great- 
est on the outside, place the 
wide branch of the shoe on 
that side ; and, similarly, if 
greatest wear occurs on the in- 
side have the wide web of the 
shoe on that side. In this way 
the wearing of the shoe will 
Fig. 111. HIND FOOT SHOE, TO PRE- ^^ eQualizcd and the foot and 

VENT ANKLE CUTTING. ^ 

A to B, Inside heel calkin gradu.-illy limb will be correspondingly 
tl^iiined. benefitted. 

Fig. HI represents a pattern of shoe to prevent ankle cut- 
ting on horses with long oblique pasterns leaning inward and 



HIND FOOT SIDE WEIGHT 
SHOE. 




SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



225 



the toes standing outward. The heel calk shown is to be on the 
inside branch of the shoe gradually tapering toward the heel 
from A to B, as this will tend to straighten the pasterns by rais- 
ing the inside of the foot more directly under the leg. Usually 
it is found that with pasterns of the kind in question, the inside 
heel is shorter on the ground tread than the outside, and this 
shoe will supply the deficiency and thus avoid the striking or 
cutting of the ankle as stated. 

Fig. 112. This shoe is 
made as light as can be con- 
veniently worn, and extends 
well back at the heels, the cal- 
kins behind being slightly 
higher than the front toe calks. 
The shoe, being well rolled on 
the ground surface, will allow 
the horse in his forward move- 
ment to get over the toe with 
but little strain on the affected 
parts. 

In shoeing for spavin, the 
heel calkins are to be made to 
For this 




suit the emergencies 



Fig. 112. hind foot shoe, designed 

FOR CURVE, spavin AND SORE TENDONS. 

A, A, Bevel from front of toe calks to 
trouble, first pare the foot ac- outer rim of toe at B. 

cording to directions given in Chapter IV. Place the foot 

on the floor and pick up the other foot. If the horse does not 

stand down at the heel, the heel calkins must be left high enough 

on the shoe to make up for the deficiency; for in a spavined 

leg the foot always has two motions, first the horse drops on 

toe, then back on heel. It is therefore plain to see that the 

heel calkins behind should be higher than in front. Again, if a 

horse is restless on his hind feet, or stands with one foot twisted 

in and placed with the heel on the coronet of the other, it 

is clearly indicative of a spavin of some nature, whether 
15 



226 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 113. hind i^-oot shoe, to pkevent 
bruising or calking the coronet. 

A, Front toe calk B, Inside heel 
calk. 



obscure or visible. I have used this style of shoe with admirable 
success. 

Fig. 113 refers to calking 
of the coronet. This is often 
done by horses treading on the 
coronet with either or both 
heels of their shoes when stand- 
ing in the stall, cutting and 
bruising it, oftentimes produc- 
ing serious lameness. When 
toe and heel calkins are re- 
quired, apply this shoe. 

The inside heel calkin is 
welded lengthwise on the shoe, 
and set back from the heel fully 
an inch, the ground surface be- 
ing beveled to a thin edge. 
If both heel calkins are placed 
on the coronet, weld a side heel 
on each side of the shoe, bevel- 
ing the heels as before. By so 
doing, all danger of cutting or 
bruising the coronet is over- 
come. If plain shoes are used, 
bevel the heels .on the ground 
surface and shoe short. 

Fig. 114. A great many 
horses are in the habit of twist- 
ing their feet when lifting 
them from the ground, which 
makes them liable to interfere 
and strain their ankles or foot 
joints. Some will twist their 
foot in ; others will twist it out. 




Fig. 114. hind foot shoe, for 
horses requiring toe and heel cal- 
KINS, TO PREVENT TWISTING EITHER 
WAY, IN OR OUT. 

A, Toe calk, extending over the side, 
as directed below. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



227 



By applying the shoe seen in the diagram, if the twist of the 
foot is in, let the toe calk. A, project over the outside; if vice 
versa, change the projection of the toe to the inside. This 
style of shoe will prevent the twisting of the foot, and enable 
the horse to get straight over the foot in front. 

Fig. 115. This shoe I 
use for wheeled feet. Tak- 
ing the weight from front of 
shoe lessens the weight on 
the extensor. In the flexing 
of the foot, changing the 
weight from quarters to 
heels, the foot will be easily 
lifted. The web of shoe will 
cover the quarters and wired- 
in heels, gradually restoring 
them to their natural con- 
dition. 

I have successfully used 
this shoe for preventing forg- Fig. 115. hind foot shoe for wheeled 

ing. It will be readily ad- 

.^ , ,, ^ .p • 1 , . 1 A, A, A, Outside bevel at toe. 

mitted that if weight in the ^^ b, B, Inside bevel at toe. 

toe of a shoe will lengthen 

the stride, reversing the weight will shorten the stride. 

Fig. 116. The shoe on the following page is designed for 
trotting horses that carry their feet close to the ground. Many 
horses shod with this shoe have won races which would have 
been lost to them had they worn the ordinary shoe. 

It is plain that just in proportion as the thickness of the 
shoe increases at the toe, the stride will be lessened ; and in 
proportion as the scoop is deepened, the stride will be length- 
ened. A great advantage gained in the use of this shoe is, that 
as the foot lands, it slides forward and hardens the earth. In 
the act of springing from the ground, the outer rim at letter B, 




228 



SCIENTIFIC HOBkSESHOEING. 



the high point gives a solid 
catch ; and it is evident, there- 
fore, that the advantage gained 
'n landing is not lost in spring- 
ing ofi' the ground. This back- 
ward and forward friction is 
\ ery tiresome to the horse, and 
may be compared to the resist- 
uice experienced by the human 
being running over sand and 
snow. 

This shoe is easily made by 
laying the center of the toe on 
Fig. 116. hind foot scooped-toe ^\^q ]^qj,^ of the anvil with face 

ROLLING MOTION SHOE, TO PREVENT 

SLIPPING WHEN SPRINGING FROM THE dowuward aud hammering the 




A, A, Width of scoop at toe. 
Scoop to be beveled inwardly to C 



■o scoop out, letting the heel of 

shoe project well beyond the 

break of heel. It affords great 

bracing or stay to the back sinews. 

This shoe is designed for use 
upon horses with long pasterns. 
Short upright pasterns can be shod 
shorter, as there is less strain on 
back tendons. If the back sinews 
are sore, put on heel calkins. 

Fig. 117. This is a pattern 

of front foot shoe for line trotters. 

Horses of this class, when up to 

speed, carry their hind limbs in 

line with the fore, and great care 

extending around the heels and is required in shoeing them lest 
quarters, B,B, and carried forward , t i i • t i • . 

to near front toe nails. The heels they scalp the hind shm or coronet 

of shoe also to be beveled at B, B, as it passes under the front foot. 

on ground surface, with the angle 

of the foot. The thinner the front shoes are 




Fig. 117. front foot shoe for line 
trotters, to prevent scalping. 

A, Bevel around inner rim to B, 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



229 



the less liability there will be 
to injury in this way. The 
shoe must also be beveled at 
the heels on the ground surface 
with the angle of the hoof, as 
indicated in diagram 117, and 
as explained with Fig. 28. The 
weight of the shoes must be 
determined by the driver, as 
some horses require more 
weight than other in order to 
balance their action. 

Fig. 118 represents a bar 
shoe for the same general pur- 
pose as described for Fig. 117 ; 
but as some horses are more 
tender in the heels than others, 
this style of bar shoe may be 
substituted for the open shoe. 

Fig. 119 indicates the pat- 
tern of shoe recommended to 
prevent side or back slipping 
on hard tracks. Whatever is 
gained by a forward slide is 
not lost, for the purchase ob- 
tained by the use of this style 
of rasp-cut shoe will enable the 
horse to land and spring with 
better confidence, speed and 
endurance than by any other 
form. This shoe should be 
made of steel and after the 
teeth are cut, they are to be 
tempered in oil. 




Fig. 118. front foot bar shoe, to 
be used when required on line 
trotters. 

A to B, Bevel around inner and 
outer rim same as in Fig. 117. The 
dot shown in center of bar is rivet 
hole for leather when used under the 
shoe. 




Fig. 119. front foot rasp cut bar 

SHOE, to prevent SLIPPING ON HARD 

TRACKS. 

The dot in center of bar is rivet hole 
to secure leather when required. 



230 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 120. hind foot rasp cut 
grab shoe, with deep scoop at 

TOE. 



Fig. 120 shows a hind foot, 
rasp-cut grab shoe, to prevent 
slipping on hard tracks, as ex- 
plained with Fig. 119. The extra 
scoop at front of toe will give an 
additional purchase and firm 
srround hold to the foot when 
rising. 

Fig. 121. Front foot raised 

split-bar steel shoe, for contracted 

hoofs, sore tendons, side bones, 

corns, bruised heels, etc. This 

shoe is to be made of steel in 

order that the bar may spring 

Scoop from A to B, as shown, the ^^^^j. ^-^^ weight of the horse. 

outer rim at A to be flush with _ "^ 

face of shoe. Make it in the same way as 

other bar shoes, and after the 
shoe is shaped and fitted cut 
the bar in center at A, A, 
then commence at B, B, ta 
ise the bar say i to J inch, 
1 ;eping both faces flat. In 
ses where leather is to be 
ed to obtain frog pressure, 
I t the leather to cavity in 
1 r under the shoe, punch 
1 >les in center of bar and at 
1 , B, as shown by dots, for 
reception of rivets, then bevel 
around the toe of shoe on 
Fig. 121. fkont foot raised split ground tread as shown. 

BAR SHOE, FOR CONTRACTION, SORE TEN- ^ ^-^j^ ^j^^ f^^^ prOpcriy 

DONS, SIDE BONER, CORNS, BRUISED HEELS, r r J 

ETC. leveled and balanced, as per 




SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAJi SHOEING. 



231 



Fig. 23, this shoe will be found 
very eflective for use in any of 
the cases mentioned. 

Fig. 122, Front foot scooped 
toe or grab shoe, with side heel 
calks for trotting and pacing 
horses inclined to twist or slip in 
landing or rising. 

It is a waste of power and 
loss of motion for horses to twist 
or turn in any way out of a direct 
forward line, and by use of the 
scooped-toe in this shoe we have 




Fig. 122. 



FRONT FOOT B.'i.R SCOOPED- 
TOE GRAB SHOE. 

To prevent slipping, scoop the toe 
an excellent corrective for this from A to B, around to C, C. 

D, D, Side heel calks. Dot in cen- 
tendency, as well as a valuable ter of bar, rivet hole for leather 

. , . , , . when required, 

aid in speed getting. 

Fig. 123 is a new form 
of double rolling motion bar 
shoe, designed to quicken 
the action in front, and thus 
prevent stumbling, forging 
and speedy cutting. By the 
increased knee action which 
this shoe gives it will also 
relieve soreness of tendons 
and feet. When used for 
sore tendons, after the foot 
is properly leveled, build up 
the heels to take off' all pos- 
sible pressure from the back quicken the front action, prevent 

SPEEDY cutting, FORGING, STUMBLING, ETC. 

of the leg, by inserting a ^^ a, High center point in shoe, grad- 

thick piece of sole leather "^1'/ beveled forward to B, at toe, and 

^ back to C, at heel bar. D, Side view of 

under the shoe to cover the slioe, representing the foot-bearing face 

by straight line, and the ground face by 

bottom of foot, gradually the easy bevels each way from center. 

,,. . ,, , ^, . The thickness of center is to be regulated 

thinning the leather from to suit the necessities of the case. 




Fig. 123. front foot center bearing, 

DOUBLE rolling MOTION BAR SHOE, TO 



232 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



heel to toe. Then in case the weight is to be reduced, after the 
shoe is nailed on, the leather can be cut out around the inside 
of shoe. 

Fig. 124. Hind foot scooped toe or grab shoe, to prevent 
speedy cutting. This is a great shoe for speedy, close gaited 
horses. The scoop at toe secures the foothold and prevents 
slipping backward when leaving the ground, while the inner 
and outer bevels on shoe prevent the cutting or bruising of front 
quarters when in rapid motion. This shoe is to be made thicker 
at the toe and gradually beveled thinner to the heels. 




Fig. 124. hind foot sl ..„.„., .„„ 
grab shoe, to prevent speedy 

CUTTING. 

Scoop at toe to be deepened in- 
ward from A to B. C, D, Bevels 
around inner and outer rims of 
branches. 




Fig. 125. front foot scooped grab 
toe bar shoe, to preve.nt speed horses 
slipping on soft tracks. 

A, Outer rim of toe to be of same 
height on ground tread as the four 
calkins; the scoop to bevel in to B, 
which is thinned down a little below 
the web of the shoe, and extends to 
sides, C, C. Side heel and quarter 
calkins, D, D, D, D, wedge or \ shaped, 
with points upward. These calkins 
are to be of same height as the grab 
toe from A to C, C. 



Fig. 125. With this style of shoe made as directed by 
references underneath the cut, the foot can not slip either to the 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



233 




rear or sides, and by being easily lifted from muddy tracks with 
little friction, the horse grows surer footed and less leg weary 
or jaded than would otherwise be the case with the ordinary toe 
and heel calked shoe. 

Fig. 126. Any ordinary 
shoe may be adapted to this 
form by cutting off both of 
the branches to the required 
length, then by using a bar, 
say f in. thick by ^ in. wide, 
long enough to extend across 
the quarters, and welding the 
tongue piece on bar to reach 
back and cover the frog be- 
tween the heels, after which 
weld to the shoe and put on 
calks at toe, sides and heel of 
equal height, as shown at A, Fig. 126. front foot three-quakter 
B, B, and C. The cleft of frog s^^^- ^«« ^^^^s, bruised heels, side 

BONES, QUARTER CRACKS, ETC. 

is marked atD, and the dressed 

A, B, B, C, C, Toe quarters and 
wall at E, E. In almost all heel calks. D, Cleft of frog. E, E, 
cases of this kind pressure is Bruised heels. P, F, Lower margin of 

level wall. 
to be kept off the frog, and 

this can easily be done by bending the broad tongue piece away 
from the foot. This shoe may, if desired, also be made plain, 
that is, without calks, and in either form will be found of 
valuable service if applied for the purposes intended with foot 
prepared, as per Fig. 23. 

Fig. 127 (next page). A horse thus affected endeavors to re- 
move the weight from the back of his foot by walking on his toe. 
This shoe can be used equally well for horses and mules — the 
heel calks to be high enough in each instance to level the heel 
with the ground, then as the weight can be borne on the' heels, 
the calks will gradually be worn down and give indications in 



234 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



this way of returning soundness. The toe-piece or front clip is 
to be turned up at same angle as the front of hoof and project 
forward to suit the case in hand, as the higher the animal stands 
on his toe, the longer and higher the spur should he, varying 
from one to one and one-half inches. With proper attention to 
these points and to leveling the foot, as per Fig. 23, this shoe 
can be applied with success. 




Fig. 127. side view of hoof shod for relief op sprained and con- 
tracted TENDONS, WOUNDS IN THE FOOT, ETC. 
(For plan of shoe, see Fig. 129.] 
A, Coronary cavity. B, Outer wall. C, Side of shoe. D, Toe piece 
turned up. E, Heel calk. 

Fig. 128. The same method of preparing the foot as de- 
scribed for the preceding figure, is applicable to all horses or 
mules inclined to walk on their toes. 




Fig. 128. side view of another style of shoe similar to Fig. 127. 
(For plan of shoe, see Fig. 130.) 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



235 




Fig. 129. ground surface 
op mule shoe shown in side 
VIEW OP HOOF, Fig. 127. 

A, B, Projecting toe piece. 





Fig. 131. wall-bearing 
surface of shoe shown in 
Figs. 128 and 130. 

From these figures 
(127 to 131) a correct idea 
maybe obtained for mak- 
ing and applying the 
shoes for the purpose 
named. 



Fig. 130. ground tread op 
shoe shown in side view of 
HOOF, Fig. 128. 



236 



SCIENTIFIC HOESESHOEING. 




Fig. 132. ground surface of 
right hind foot spreading 
shoe, to prevent cross-firing. 

A, Heel calk to be turned up 
at end of long outside branch. 
B, B, B, Ground surface of shoe, 
the dotted line showing its pro- 
jection over the outside of foot. 




Fig. 133. wall-bearing sur- 
face OF same shoe as shown in 
Fig. 132. 

A, A, Bevel on outside rim of 
shoe, from wall bearing to ground 
tread. C, C, C, Flat wall bear- 
ing. 



Fig. 132. Cross-firing is caused 
by unbalanced feet and improperly 
constructed shoes. Almost all speed 
horses require the sharp outside edge 
of their front shoes to be taken 
off on the ground surface to pre- 
vent scalping. By examining and 
comparing the stride of the cross- 
firing foot, it will be found that the 
stride of that member is shorter 
than its fellow by four to six inches, 
causing an occasional hitch or hop 
in the gait. In cases of this kind 
place a cross-firing shoe like Fig. 
132 on the short striding foot, to 
weigh four to six ounces heavier 
than the one on the opposite foot. 
Where the horse cross-fires with 
both hind feet have them shod with 
shoes of equal weight. By lower- 
ing the inside toe and raising the 
outside heel on the long outside 
branch of the shoe, the feet will be 
made to stand wider apart on the 
ground and will be thus carried out- 
ward from the body, f)assing the front 
feet without hitting or bruising the 
inside ankles or shins. The success 
of this style of shoe is greatly de- 
pendent on the good judgment of 
the shoer. 

Fig. 134 (on opposite page). 
In bad cases of dragging, the ends 
of toe calk should project over the 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



237 



front rim of shoe one half to 
one inch, the projection being 
greater in proportion with the 
increase of the trouble. Both 
ends of the calk should ex- 
tend equally to a straight line 
across the front. The clip 
should be turned up on same 
angle with the front of the 
hoof. 

If the foot is leveled, as 
directed with Fig. 23, this 
shoe will prevent the w^orst 
form of dragging, as when in 
motion the weight passes over 
the projecting toe calks the 
foot will be lifted with a quick 
upward movement. If the front 
toe of hoof is worn blunt by 
dragging, the line of wall 
must be carried down to the 
ground tread by making the 
shoe extend forward to meet 
the angle of the wall, and thus 
secure the full length of ground 
tread. This same style of shoe 
will in many cases stop forging 
or clicking. 

Fig. 135. Hind foot shoe 
to prevent ankle hitting. In 
order to determine how this shoe 
is to be worn the horse should 
be seen both in motion and at 
rest. If the foot twists in as the 




Fig. 134. hind foot shoe, to prevent 
dragging and forging. 

A, Reversed bent toe calk from inner 
center of web, extending over each 
side of toe rim. B, Center of clip, to 
be turned up in front between the pro- 
jecting prongs of calk. 




Fig. 135. hind foot shoe, to pre- 
vent ANKLE hitting. 

A, Toe calk on outside rim of 
shoe. B, Extension of outside 
branch with heel calk at end. 
C, Inside branch, with heel bev- 
eled from ground tread in line witli 
hoof. 



238 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

heel leaves the ground he will hit back of inside heel nail. I 
have never known a horse that twisted his heels out ever to cut 
or hit his ankles. A shoe made as per Fig. 135 will turn the 
foot outward from the ankle and thus avoid any interference. 
The outside heel calk at B should be as high as the case may 
require, say from f to J inch. The inside branch to be gradually 
thinned down from last nail hole to end at C, and the shoe to be 
fitted snug to the foot around that side. 

Use and Abuse of Tips. — Tips should not be used indis- 
criminately, the build and construction of a horse's legs and 
pasterns must be duly considered ; for instance, tips will be in- 
jurious if horse has long sloping pasterns whereby the line of 
weight inclines forward out of the vertical. On the other hand, 
short upright pasterns where legs are perpendicular or inclined 
back under the body, have feet at such an angle (say 55°) for 
the successful use of tips. Such horses wear the toes of shoes 
more than the heels, and a toe-tip is all that is needed, therefore, 
to protect the hoof from undue wear. A great majority of 
horses, however, are adapted to the use of tips, and I think they 
would be better off from such use on the front feet than other- 
wise. By wearing tips the front feet would escape corns, bruised 
heels, quarter-cracks, contraction, thrush, sore tendons, leg 
weariness, interference or cutting and such like ills to which 
horseflesh is heir — more from clumsy, misfitting shoes, than 
from all other causes combined. In some sections of the country 
too, where, in wet weather, the soil is sticky, heavy clay, 
horses are apt to pick up " balls," which pack and wedge up in 
the foot under full shoes and becoming dry and hard, soon 
causes lameness, whereas the use of tips would avoid such re- 
sults. When used, narrow tips are far preferable to wide ones, 
as it is well known that horses do not wear out from overwork 
so much as from mismanagement and overweighting of the 



SPECIFIC AND RKMEDIAL SHOEING. 239 

feet. Good judgment is required iu applying tips: first, examine 
the formation of wall and sole, if the sole is cup-form or well 
arched, this style of foot can be most successfully tipped, and 
the tip can be thicker than if foot is flat. If sole is flat the 
tip should be concaved or beveled ofl:' to avoid sole pressure. 
The foot should not be pared oft' at toe and heels so low for tips 
as for full shoes, as the tips have to be let in the wall flush with 
the ground tread. In this way the angle of foot is in no wise 
changed and the wear will be even all over. From two to three 
nails on each side of tips will suflice to hold them on firmly. 
Punch for a low, short, thick hold inclining the nail out- 
wardly to avoid cramping the foot. Tips can be used to ad- 
vantage on colts for first shoeings in breaking them, also on dirt 
roads and the natural exercise of frog pressure will develop the 
foot into a strong and healthy organ. The tips are to be bev- 
eled oft' on the outer edge of the web, so as to follow the angle 
of the foot. 

Sharpening, or Winter Shoeing. — In many instances, 
winter shoeing presents fresh difficulties, for the shoes have then 
to do a double duty — to secure the foot-hold as well as to pro- 
tect the foot. Toe and heel calkins are almost always employed 
as best suiting the requirements of each case. In all cases, 
however, these should be short and sharp, as then the foot will 
be kept nearer the ground, at the same time they will answer 
every purpose for a firm catch upon the hard or slippery ice, and 
the horse will be less liable to rock sidewise, thus avoiding in- 
jury or joint lameness. For ordinary workhorses, toe and heel 
calkins are all that are required ; and, as a rule, it is better to 
sharpen the outside heel calk lengthwise, or from front to back, 
as by so doing side slips will be avoided and strains on the joints 
and tendons be prevented. For speed horses, side heel calks 
are better for the front shoes than mere end calks, as the horse 
is not so apt to strike and pull oft" the front shoes with his hind 



240 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

feet when at speed ; also, the feet will not slip in or out so easily 
this way. The hind feet can in most cases be shod with 
ordinary turned up heels as this will assist in preventing the 
" calking " of one hind foot by the other. Side heel calks 
ought to be placed on the inside branch of the shoe, near the 
heel, as this will lessen the danger of wounding the opposite 
member. 

All about Calks. — It should, however, never be lost sight 
of that the shorter, sharper and smaller the calkins are, so long 
as they answer the purpose for which they are intended, so much 
the better for the foot that wears them. High calkins, while 
they confer no firmer foothold, may easily become a source of 
injury, both to the foot itself and the limb at large. It is only 
from that portion of the catch which enters the ground surface 
that the horse derives any benefit in the shape of foothold ; and 
it must be apparent to every one that long calkins have no ad- 
vantages in this respect over moderately short ones on hard, 
uneven, ground, while they present many other disadvantages, 
on which I have already laid particular stress in Chapters IV 
and VI. 



A TABLEAU OF HORSESHOES. 241 



CHAPTER X. 
A TABLEAU OF HORSESHOES, 

OLD AND NEW STYLES PICTURED AND COMPARED. 

To carry out the subject of this book still further and to 
show at a glance the progress that has been made in the whole 
scheme and staple of horseshoeing within our generation, cover- 
ing a period of thirty-five years, a regular progressive series of 
diii'erent designs of shoes is here introduced in order to exhibit 
as clearly as possible the passing stages of advancement in the 
art by the several styles of shoes in use at various times for 
various purposes until they were gradually relegated or su- 
perseded by more modern patterns of ingenious workmanship 
and skill, which accomplish wonders in balancing the action and 
leveling the gait of horses, or are admirably effective in remedy- 
ing or curing many of the faulty movements and morbid affec- 
tions of the feet and legs. " Scientific horseshoeing," with all that 
the term implies, is thus seen to be the outcome of many previous 
years of experimental tests before it came to " the parting of the 
ways " which led it from speculative regions to the place which 
it now occupies — as an art built on scientific principles. The 
shoes and tools grouped in the cases — Figs. 136 to 140 — formed 
part of my display at the World's Fair, at Chicago, 1893, and 
were awarded the First Premium, Medals and Diploma. 

In addition to the shoes shown in these cases, a large num- 
ber of still more recent patterns are illustrated in the preceding 
pages of this book — from designs which I have made since the 

close of the World's Fair. 
16 



242 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEII«iG. 




Fig. 136. Case No. 1. 
Improved Tools for Scientific Horseshoeing. 



FIG. 136. CASE NO. 1. 243 



In tools, as in every thing else, the best is the cheapest, and this case rep- 
resents the best products of ingenuity and mechanical skill of the various 
articles made to serve the most useful purposes of experts in farriery. There 
are many shoeing smiths who still pursue the same routine of shop work that 
their ancestors did of old. No modern tools. No improved methods. And 
considering the improvements made in other pursuits are actually as mucii in 
the rut to-day as were the rur-il blacksmiths of generations ago. "While this 
is so, it is a noticeable fact that better facilities for doing better and quicker 
work results in more trade and more popular satisfaction every time. This 
aflbrds the most conclusive evidenc-e that the best tools are indispensable to 
the enterprising farrier, and this case embraces every thing that projierly be- 
longs to this class of goods. The list includes the following articles: 

No. 1. Driving Hammer, weight, ll! ounces. 

2. Pincers. 

3. Clinch Cutter. 

4. Horse Hasp, size, 14 inches. 

6. Foot Hook. 

7. Rasp, size, IG inches. 

8. Spreader, for operating on diseased hoofs. 

",), 10, 11, 12, 44, 45, 46. Farriers Knives of various sizes, No. H an 

extra blade without handle, 
lo, 15, 16. Hand Hammers of variou.s weights. 
17, 18. Fire Tongs. 

19, 21. Creasers, light and heavy bitted. . 

20, 39. Stamps or Punches. 

22, 23, 24. Plain and Countersunk Pritchells for stamping shoes. 
26. Russell's Foot Adjuster, fitted to a horse's hoof. 

30. Center Punch or Prick for nail piercing. 

31. Three Square Iron or Steel Cutter. 

33. Foot Tester. 

34. Hoof Cutting Nippers. 

35. Nail Clincher. 

47. Russell's Bed Plate for leveling the foot. 

48. Adjustable Compass for measuring height of hoof. 

49. 50. Farrier's Clasps or Pocket Knives. 
51,53. Whetstones. 

52. Three Square File for dressing knives. 

54. Froat to rasp teeth. 

55. Sledge, weight, 7 pounds. 

56. Double Rasp. 

57. Half Round bastard Hot Filing Rasp. 

89. Steel Rule, G inches, for measuring hoofs. 

90. Adjustable Calipers to verify measurements around hoof. 



244 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 137. Case No. 2. 



FIG. 137. CASE NO. 2. 245 



No. 1. Hind bar shoe, worn by trotter " Clementine." 

2. Front four calkin shoe, see book, Fig 80. 

3. Hind four calkin shoo, see book, Fig. 112. 

4. Front scooped grab toe shoe. 

5. Front toe weight shoe to balance action, old style, 1862. 

6. Front shoe concaved on inner rim. 

7. Shoe concaved on inner quarters to prevent picking stones, old 

style, ISGO. 

8. Front winter shoe with sharp toe and heel calkins. 

9. Front rim shoe to prevent knee hitting, see Fig. 82. 

10. Front too weight shoe, see Fig. 97. 

11. Front toe weight shoe, see Fig. 91). 

12. Front toe weight shoe to make pacers trot. 

13. Front shoe with toe calk for trotters, old style, 1848. 

14. Front bar shoe (old style.) 

15. Front concaved shoe for saddle horses. 

16. Front navicular shoe, worn by " Proteine," see Fig. 63. 

17. Hind shoe for curb and sore tendons. 

18. Front scooped toe mud shoe, old style, 1860. 

19. Front rim shoe. 

20. Front heart sunk bar shoe, old style, 1861. 

21. Front round shoe, old style. 

22. Front shoe for flat feet, see Fig. 35. 

23. Front shoe for draft horse, Fig. 102. 

24. Front scooped toe shoe, see Fig. 89. 

25. Front shoe for ankle and knee hitting, old style. 

26. Hind shoe to lessen stride, old stylo. 

27. Front scooped toe rolling motion rim shoe. 

28. Hind shoe for draft horse, see Fig. :V.]. 
-29. Front shoe for draught horse, see Fig. 32. 

30. Front concave shoe for saddle horse. 

31. Mule shoe, see Fig. 56. 

32. Hind shoe for ankle hitting, see Fig. 84. 

33. Racing plate, see Fig. 30. 

34. Hind shoe for ankle hitting, old style. 

35. Front shoe for ankle hitting, old style. 

36. Front side weight shoe, old style, 1876. 

37. Front shoe for bar pressure. 

38. Front shoe for enlarging ground tread, old style, 1861. 

39. Front rim shoe, nails set for low thick hold, 1861. 

40. Hind three quarter shoe for ankle cutting, old style. 

41. Hind shoe to straighten foot under leg. 



246 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 138. Case No. 3. 



FIG. 138. CASE NO. 3. 247 



No. 42. Hind shoe, worn })y trotter " Thomas Jefferson." 

43. Front side weight shoe for ankle and knee hitting. 

44. Front scooped toe shoe for stumbling, see Fig. Ub. 

45. Hind shoe for quarter grabbing. 

46. Front concaved shoe for trotters, old style. 

47. Front non-paddling shoe, see Fig. 104. 

48. Front shoe beveled from toe to heels, worn by " Thos. Jefferson." 

49. Hind square toe shoe for ankle hitting, old style, by S. T. H., 1873. 

50. Hind shoe for trotters, old style 

51. Tip shoe, old style. 

52. Hind scooped toe shoe, old style, see Fig. 116. 

53. Front shoe lor ankle and knee hitting, old style, by 8. T. H., 1873. 

54. Front bar shoe, worn by " Goldsmith Maid," 1871, see Fig. 90. 

55. Front modified " Centennial" shoe, by S. T. H., see Fig. 87. 

56. Front rolling motion shoe, No. 1 , see Fig. 93. 

57. Front shoe for forging, etc., see Fig. 91. 

58. Front shoe for knee hitting. 

59. Front rai.sed spring bar shoe, see Fig. 8S. 

60. Front " Centennial " shoe, by S. T. H., see Fig. 85. 

61. Front shoe for roadsters. 

62. Front spring heel shoe for contraction. 

63. Hind shoe for knuckling. 

64. Front shoe concaved and thin at heels. 

65. Hind scooped toe shoe. 

66. Front shoe for knee hitting, by 8. T. H. 

67. Front shoe modified " Centennial." 

68. Front side weight shoe for knee hitting, see Fig. 100. 

69. Hind shoe for quarter grabbing. 

70. Hind rolling motion shoe, old style. 

71. Front bar shoe grooved for slipping, old style. 

72. Front grooved center shoe, worn by "American Girl," weight, 

31 ounces, see trotting record, page 118. 

73. Front rim bar shoe, nailed at toe, old style. 

74. Hind concaved shoe, old style. 

75. Front shoe concaved quarters, old style trotters, 1862. 

76. Front shoe concaved, old style. 

77. Plain shoe. 

78. Hind shoe for knuckling, see Fig. 71. 

The center of this case is occupied by a display of medals which I have 
received on similar exhibits of shoes, etc., at various expositions throughout 
the country. See page vii-x. 



248 



SCIEiNTlFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 1o9. Cask No. 4. 



FIG. 139. CASE NO. 4. 249 



No. 79. Front concaved rolling motion shoe to change front action. 

80. Front shoe for knee hitting, worn by " Gladiator," 1877. 

81. Front shoe ground tread beveled to increase its surface. 

82. Front three quarter shoe for bruised heels. 

83. Front shoe gradually thinned from toe to heels. 

84. Hind concaved shoe. 

85. Front shoe flat toe and heel calkins for trotters. 

86. Same style shoe as No. 85. 

87. Hind shoe inside heel calk for ankle hitting. 

88. Front navicular shoe — A, high center of pad, B, heel calkins. 

89. Front shoe for bruised heels, see Fig. 91. 

90. Front shoe for knee hitting, see Fig. 83. 

91. Front shoe for " pigeon toe," wide web outside. 

92. Front racing plate, ahiminum, weight, one-half ounce. 

93. Front hospital shoe, adjustable center plate, for wounds, etc. 

94. Front shoe for knee hitting. 

95. Hind shoe concaved quarters for roadsters. 

96. Front shoe for various purposes, see Fig. 91. 

97. Front shoe with leather pad, four calks, etc., for slipping, etc. 

98. Front shoe rounded ground surface for forging. 

99. Front deep seated concaved shoe for saddle horses. 

100. Front rim shoe to prevent slipping. 

101. Front non-paddling shoe, toe and heel calks, and wide web inside. 

102. Front modified turn-table shoe. 

103. Front shoe for quarter cracks. 

104. Front shoe toe and heel calks inside for ankle cutting. 

105. Front " hospital" shoe for sore tendons, heels 1 inch high, taoer- 
ing to toe. 

106. Pony shoe. 

107. Front shoe toe beveled out and quarters beveled in for stumbling. 

108. Front deep seated rim shoe for slipping. 

109. Hind shoe modified for wheeled feet. 

110. Front three quarter tip for sore heels. 

111. Front light aluminum shoe for track work. 

112. Hind deep concaved shoe. 

113. Front rim shoe to prevent slipping. 



250 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 140. Case Nu. 5. 



FIG. 140. CASE NO. 5. 251 



No. 114. Front rim tip, worn by trotting horse •' Jack." , 

115. Hind rim tip. 

116. Hind shoe for Shetland pony. 

117. Front shoe for Shetland pony. 

118. Front racing plate. 

119. Hind racing plate. 

120. Front bar shoe, open space ontside, for interfering, etc. (Irish shoe). 

121. Hind scoop toe grab shoe for track work. 

122. Hind skeleton plate for racing. 

123. Front skeleton plate for racing. 

124. Hind shoe, elevated heel bar, for curbs and spavins on trotters. 

125. Front heart sunk bar rolling motion shoe. 

126. Hind scooped toe grab slioe. 

127. Front center bearing shoe, see Fig. 123. 

128. Hind " spreading" shoe, see Figs. 132 and 133. 

129. Front rasp cut plain flat shoe, see Fig. 119. 

130. Front deep concaved shoe for saddle horses. 

131. Front improved rolling motion shoe, rim on inner border. 

132. Front scooped toe grab shoe with bar for racers. 

133. Front concaved shoe with thin heels for high heeled horses. 

134. Front too weight scooped grab toe bar shoe for track use. 

135. Front bar shoe, see Fig. 118. 

136. Front shoe beveled on outer and inner rims for speedy cutting, forging, etc. 

137. Hind scoop grab toe bar shoe beveled on inner quarters. 

138. Front scooped grab toe bar shoe, see Fig. 122. 

139. Front rolling motion shoe No. 2, see Fig 94. 

140. Front rasp cut plain flat shoe, see Fig. 117. 

141. Front rasp cut bar shoe. 

142. Front plain flat shoe. 

143. Front plain heart sunk bar shoe. 

144. Front plain open shoe. 

145. Hind rasp cut shoe, see Fig. 120. 

146. Hind rasp cut grab shoe (modified from the last). 

147. Front shoe square concaved toe flat ground face for knee hitting. 

148. Front shoe light weight for stumbling, see Fig. 95. 

149. Front bar shoe with toe calk, worn by "Kremlin." 

150. Front plain light bar shoe. 

151. Hind bar shoe, long heels, for long striding horses or weak tendons. 

152. Front concaved thin heeled shoe for high heeled horses. 

153. Scooped toe or grab tip. 

154. Hind bar shoe with long outside branch. 

155. Front raised split bar shoe with leather pad, see Fig. 121. 

156. Front shoe deeply concaved for saddle horses. 

157. Hind plain side weight shoe. 

158. Front grab toe bar shoe with side and heel calks, see Fig. 125. 

159. Front heart sunk bar shoe with toe and heel calks. 

160. Front shoe modified " Centennial," see Fig. 86. 

161. Front rope toed shoe with heel calks for ice and mud. 

162. Hind scooped toe grab shoe for trotters. 

163. Front toe weight bar shoe. 

164. Front scooped toe grab shoe, long branch ontside, for trotters. 

165. Hind plain light shoe. 

166. Front scooped toe grab shoe beveled in and out for trotters. 

167. Hind shoe, tapered heels to toe, worn by trotter " Harry Wilkes." 

168. Hind scooped toe grab shoe. 

169. Hind shoe for knuckling, see Fig. 71. 

170. Hind scoop grab toe bar shoe, long heel branches, etc., for sore tendons. 



252 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 141. Russell's Foot Adjuster. 
Instructions for use given on pages 77 to 81 ; also see Figs. 16 to 29. 




Fig. 142. Russkll's Heel Adjuster, for obtaining the Angles of 

THE Heels. 

A, A, Slots in plates for adjustment to position desired. 

B, Thumb screw for setting the plates. 

C, P, Adjustable lover to obtain the angle of heels. 

D, Lower bed-plate, to lay on bottom of the foot across the quar- 
ters, in equalizing the angle on both sides of the heel. 



Russell's hand vlse, etc. 



253 





Fig. 144. Russell's Foot 

Testers. 

Explained on page 135. 



Fig. 143. Russell's Hand Vise, for Hot Rasping Shoes. 

A, Set screw to fasten the jaw, B, on shoe. 

C, Bed plate, shaped like a front foot shoe, on which to lay the shoe, to 
hot or cold rasp it on the bevel of the heels and quarters. 

D, Lower projection, to catch in the jaws of stationary vise. 
E,' End of jaw to grip the shoes. Length of vise, 16 inches. 

This tool is indispensable to all sheers who shoe light horses, as by its 
use the thinnest shoes can be filed without springing. 



254 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER XI. 
EECIPES AND INSTRUCTlOISrS 

FOR TREATING DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

It seems suitable and convenient as to the general purpose 
of this book that, after having dwelt somewhat largely upon a 
review of the principal diseases and injuries which impair the 
organic soundness of the horse's foot, and treating in detail the 
efficacy of a safe and scientific mode of shoeing in counteract- 
ing such evils, I should devote — in a limited way — a few con- 
cluding pages to a similar end (but differing in kind and degree), 
that is, medicinal remedies adapted to the relief of diseases, 
wounds, or other disorders of the horse, as indicated by the sub- 
joined prescriptions. It is not my intention, however, to advise 
that the attendance of a regular veterinarian be dispensed with 
when any serious form of disease exists which calls for medical 
treatment beyond the reach of the farrier's art. Neither do I de- 
sire to appear in a false light with respect to the valid claims ot 
professional veterinary practice. At all times the mechanical 
work of shoeing is combined more or less with the surgical treat- 
ment of the foot, hence the farrier of to-day must be more than a 
" blacksmith," or a mere worker in iron ; and it is for his guid- 
ance that I am now writing. Having placed before my readers 
the undoubted utilities of shoeing for remedial purposes, I like- 
wise submit the following medicaments as useful applications 
for any of the cases to which they especially refer. Success in 
the use of these preparations, I may add, depends upon a right 
understanding of the nature of the trouble in each instance, and 
then in the proper application of the remedy. 



RECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS. 255 

No. 1. 
Cleansing the feet. — The importance of cleanliness in 
keeping the feet of horses free from certain disorders of the 
skin and other excretory matters that are causative of eruptions 
can not be overlooked. In prescribing a simple wash for the 
feet, therefore, it is only a step in the way of preventing disorder 
in its functions, to which neglect of such precaution may lead. 
In hot dry weather the extremities of the limbs should be 
thoroughly scoured at least once a day. Use the best castile soap 
with a liberal supply of warm water and make a good, stiff 
lather and apply it with a brush — to rub it in and thus cleanse 
the skin from all impurities. Then rinse off with clear water 
and dry with a cloth. This operation should apply to all parts 
of the ankle and hoof, including the heels, and in this way a 
clear, healthy condition of skin and elastic, tough, glossy wall 
will be insured, if the foot is otherwise healthy. 

No. 2. 

Foot Salve. — Shoemaker's wax, ^ lb.; Beeswax, J lb.; 
Mutton Tallow, for summer use, ^ lb.; and for winter use, ^ lb. 
To be melted in an iron pot over a gentle fire, kept constantly 
stirred until the composition is well dissolved and thoroughly 
mixed. 

This preparation is invaluable for many foot ailments when 
used according to directions. 

For Contraction. — After the foot has been prepared and 
the shoe fitted, have the salve well warmed and fill the bottom 
of the foot with it, then cover it with a thin overlay of white 
cotton or clean oakum, and nail on the shoe with a piece of 
leather fitted under the web to cover the bottom of the foot to 
retain the salve in place and protect it from dirt. 

For Coronitis. — Warm the salve as before and thoroughly 
saturate with it several pledgets or thin flat layers of white cot- 
ton and cover the coronary band all around with a thick coating 



256 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

of salve, secured with a compress bandage of linen, laid over it 
to keep it in place, after which rub a warm smoothing iron 
over the surface from toe to heels, repeating this process once 
or twice daily for the space of a week or more, being careful 
not to scorch or burn the bandage in so doing. The application 
of heat will operate as a tonic to stimulate the circulation 
throughout the diseased organ, causing it to absorb the salve, 
which will at once check the ossific tendency and assist the horn 
secreting powers of the coronary cushion. 

For Laminitis and Villitis, or for inflammation and sore- 
ness of the villous tissue of the toe and sole of the foot, follow 
the directions given for treatment and shoeing in Chapter VII, 
covering such diseases. 

For Bruised and Ulcerated Heels. — Have the foot leveled 
and prepared by removing all the hard, dead, portions of the 
horny sole around the aftected part, then apply the salve and 
cotton in and around the sore or tender spot. After the shoe is 
applied, soak the foot in tubs of warm water, as this will act 
favorably in reducing inflammation and removing soreness. 

For Chapped Heels or Dry Skin. — Apply the salve same 
as above, secured with bandage, and repeat the heating process 
with warm iron us recommended for Coronitis and all soreness 
or derangement will quickly disappear. 

For Punctured Wounds. — Wiienever the foot is wounded 
by a nail or other sharp body, it will be necessary to immediately 
open up the injured spot by means of a drawing knife and 
remove the edges of the wounded parts as deep as the horny 
tissue extends. The salve is then to be poured into the orifice 
until the cavity is filled — the foot being held up that the salve 
may cool and harden. By having it remain there the stimulus 
which it imparts will soon allay any irritation and bring on a 
healthy growth. 



RECIPES a:nd instructions. 257 

No. 3. 

Condition Powders. — Jamaica Ginger, powdered, 2 oz.; 
Black Antimony, 1 oz.; Salt Petre, 2 oz.; Gentian Powder, 2 oz.; 
Finogruk, 2 oz.; Rosin, powdered, 2 oz. 

Give one tablespoonful once a day in Mash, made of 
bran and middlings. Put two tablespoonsful of salt in the 
Mash. Feed light for a few days and give the powders at night. 

No. 4. 

Green Liniment for Scratches and Old Sores. — Verdi- 
gris, J oz.; Oil of Origanum, 6 oz.; Barborous Tar, 6 oz.; Tur- 
pentine, 4 oz.; Olive Oil, 14 oz.; Oil Spike, 2 oz. 

I have used this liniment with wonderful success for 
Scratches, Grease Heel, and removing granulated flesh in old 
sores. Before using, have the liniment well shaken up, so as 
to have is thoroughly mixed. In applying, thoroughly saturate 
the parts affected, and rub it in with the hand until they become 
softened. The old scales will exfoliate and be cast off, and the 
skin will become quite soft and pliable. Use once a day until 
cured. 

No. 5. 

A good Liniment for Soreness of Tendons, Loins and 
Coronary Band. — Sulphuric Ether, 2 oz.; Chloroform, 2 oz.; 
Laudanum, 2 oz.; Liquor of Ammonia, 1 oz.; Croton Oil, I 
drachm ; turpentine, 1 pint. Mix and shake well before using. 

In case the horse shows signs of soreness in the tendons, 
muscles, etc., by pressure of the thumb and finger, apply the 
liniment to the affected parts. To test the loins for soreness, 
pass the finger and thumb down on the back toward the hip- 
bones. Apply daily until the soreness disappears. This liniment 
will relax the skin and tendons and speedily remove soreness, 

but if applied too freely will blister. 
17 



258 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

No. 6. 

Hoof Paste, for Building up Flat Feet and Restoring 
Broken-down Quarters. — Gutta Percha, 6 oz.; Gum Ammo- 
nia, 3 oz.; Burgundy Pitch, J oz. Heat and mix in a vessel 
over a slow fire until well dissolved. 

Before using this paste, the hoof must be pared as low at 
toe and heels as can be safely done, also the outside wall must 
be rasped to its proper shape and the shoe fitted in the manner 
directed in Chapter IV, punching the nail holes to enter at the 
strongest part of the wall. When this is done, have enough of 
the hoof paste in readiness by boiling it in hot water until .it is 
quite soft and pliable. In this state it will be of an elastic con- 
sistency and may easily be stretched or molded to suit the pur- 
pose intended. Next have the hoof well warmed, wherever the 
paste is to be appHed, by holding a piece of hot iron near 
enough to thoroughly heat the parts, as this will make the 
paste unite itself firmly to the hoof. Then with a stifF-bladed case 
knife, spread the paste over the parts of the hoof as required, 
to fill all defects evenly with the toe and heels, working it very 
quickly before it cools and hardens. After which nail on the 
shoe. By the use of this paste as directed, any part of the hoof 
may be built up to its natural form. The base of the wall or 
the bars may be restored, and where the sole is flat, the applica- 
tion of the paste in sufloicient quantity will restore the flattest 
foot to a good cup-like form. This paste is also invaluable for 
filling toe and quarter-cracks. 

No. 7. 
Green Ointment for Scratches and Granulations. — 
Russian Tallow, 1 lb.; White Rosin (ground), J lb.; Pulverized 
Alum, 1 oz.; Verdigris (pulverized), 4 oz.; Venice Turpentine, 
4 oz. Melt over a slow fire. This is good for scratches and for 
granulated flesh in horse's feet. 



KECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS. 259 

No. 8. 

Liniment to Remove Pain and Produce Local Anes- 
thesia in a Part Affected. — Veratria, 3 drachms ; Soap Lini- 
ment, 2 oz.; Tincture Aconite Root, 2 oz. Mix. Rub in well 
with the hand every two or three hours, on the aftected parts of 
the horse. 

This is also valuable for the human being. When used for 
man, rub the afiected parts well. After rubbing, cover with a 
warm piece of red flannel. Repeat every half hour until the 
pain ceases. This has proved to be one of the best liniments 
I have ever used for lumbago or pains in any part of the body. 
After rubbing, wash your hands well with soap and warm water, 
otherwise, they should not come in contact with the face or 
eyes, as a painful, smarting sensation will be created, although 
its efliects will not be injurious to either face or eyes. 

No. 9. 
Eye Wash to Relieve Soreness and Improve Clouded 
Sight in Horses. — Put half a pint of rain or spring water, half 
a drachm of White Vitriol, and half a drachm of Sugar of Lead 
together. Take a fine camel's hair-brush, and with it put one 
drop in the eye, night and morning, until the scum or film is 
removed. I have known this to remove the worst cases in 48 
hours, so as to show a good, clear eye. 

No. 10. 
Green Salve for Old Sores or Scratches on the Horse. — 
Rosin, 4 oz.; Hog's Lard, | lb.; Beeswax, 3 oz.; Common 
Turpentine, 6 oz. Dissolve in an iron pot, over a gentle fire ; 
then add 2 oz. of pulverized Verdigris. Stir all together until 
they are thoroughly mixed. Strain through a coarse cloth, and 
set aside until it cools. It is then ready for use. This is a 
splendid salve for old sores, bruised heels and scratches on 
horses. I have used it with srreat success. 



260 ' SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

No. 11. 

Recipe for CJoliC. — Tincture Opium, 4 drachms; Tincture 
Capsicum, 4 drachms; Spirits Peppermint, 4 drachms ; Tincture 
Rhubarb, 4 drachms ; Spirits Camphor, 4 drachms. To 1 gill of 
Molasses, J pint of water. Mix for one dose. Repeat in 30 
minutes, if not relieved. This should be kept on hand by all 
who keep charge of horses, as it is invaluable as a remedy for 
colic. 

This painful affection of the bowels requires prompt atten- 
tion, and the above is to be given in a drench. 

No. 12. 
Hoof Ointment. — Pine Tar, Fresh Butter, Carbolic Acid, 
Strained Honey. Equal portions of each to be melted over a 
slow fire. To be applied around the coronet band three times 
a week. Have it rubbed in well with the finger, from the hair 
about one inch, down around on the hoof. There are cases 
where nature requires assistance, and it is only in chronic cases, 
and whenever the foot becomes hard and dry from fever and 
laminitis, and has partially lost its growth, looking rigid and 
rough, that I would recommend the above hoof ointment. If 
used as directed, it will produce good results. 

No. 13. 
Recipe for Kidney Trouble. — Equal parts of Buchu and 
XJva Ursi Tea. Give one-half pint at a dose twice a day. It 
can be given in a drench or in food. Also give one pint of fresh 
Flax Seed Oil at a dose twice a day, two hours after giving him 
the drench. Get the flax seed, put a sufficient quantity into an 
iron pot, over which pour water, boil the seeds well, then skim 
off the oil to give to the horse. In this way the oil will be 
fresh and pleasant, and may be given in a drench or in food. 
Better to use chopped feed. 



RECIPES AND INSTEUCTIONS. 261 

No. 14. 
Recipe for Loosening up Cold in the Head. — In case 

the head and throat are partly closed up from the effects of a 
cold, or other causes, steam the head well with hot bran. Take 
a small measure of bran in a bag, place this in hot water, and 
then take ^ tablespoonful of ammonia and pour it on the steamed 
bran. Hold the bag over the head and let the horse's nose re- 
main in the bag for fifteen or twenty minutes. By so doing, 
this will losen up the mucus in the head and throat, allowing 
the horse to breathe more easily. Repeat the steaming, as 
may be necessary to keep the head open. Be careful not to let 
the horse take cold after steaming. 

No. 15. 
Treatment for Weak Ankles or Knuckling. — By refer- 
ring to Chapter YIII., under the head of Defective Ankle 
Joints, a full description is there given for preparing the foot, 
and a style of shoe shown for remedying this defect. After 
having the foot in shape and the shoe nailed on, clip ofi' all the 
hair around the fetlock joint close to the skin. Then apply 
porous plasters cut in strips one and a half inches wide. Let the 
horse stand on foot, dip the plaster in warm water, and wrap it 
six or eight times around the joint for a bandage both above and 
below at least two inches each way. After this has been done, 
cover with a red flannel bandage, and let it remain for three or 
four weeks. As the hair begins to grow, the bandage will be- 
come loose, when it must be removed, and the hair clipped close 
to the skin, and renew above treatment, applying bandages as 
before. In extreme cases it will be advantageous to have an 
iron toe piece, 2 inches wide extending forward 2 inches, welded 
on the front of shoe level with the ground surface, without 
calks to heels of shoe. Let the horse have rest. By faithfully 
adhering to these directions, the most stubborn cases will be 
cured. I have used it and never failed to make a cure. 



262 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

No. 16. 

Recipe for Splints on Horses. — Equal parts Mercury and 
Spanish Flies. Mix into a salve. Before using, clip the hair 
off around the enlargements of the bony structure. Then 
cover it with this salve. Let it remain on for three days. Then 
grease well with fresh lard, and let it remain on for three days. 
After this, wash the sore well with carbolic-acid soap and warm 
water, and then apply the salve again, as above, followed by the 
greasing and washing, until the enlargement of the bony struct- 
ure has been removed. If used as per directions, a successful 
cure will follow. Keep the head of the horse tied up during 
this treatment, so he can not bite the sore. 

No. 17. 

Liniment for Chronic and Painful Inflammations of Ten- 
dons, Coronary Cushion, etc. — Tincture of Aconite Root, 2 
oz.; Spirits of Ammonia, 2 oz.; Tincture of Iodine, 4 oz. Mix 
and shake well before using. 

This remedy is applicable to all cases of soreness or inflam- 
mation in the tendons and coronary structures, also it operates 
favorably on bog spavins, wind galls, and chapped hocks. It 
stimulates the parts aftected to healthy action by causing all 
exudations, whether of the bones or soft parts, to be quickly 
re-absorbed and the irritations allayed. In applying, saturate 
and rub the parts affected well once a day, and in severe cases, 
twice a day, morning and evening, continuing the operation 
until recovery takes place. 

No. 18. 

Wash for General Purposes. — The following recipe is a 
mild caustic, and will result in no injury to the foot if used as 
directed : Carbolic Acid, 1 ounce ; Glycerine, 1 ounce ; Distilled 
Water, 6 ounces. Mix thoroughly. 



KECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS. 263 

No. 19. 
Ringbone, Spavin, Curb-splints, Thorough-pin and 
Wind-galls.— Oil of Origanum, Tincture Iodine, Oil Stone, 
Tincture Camphor, Tincture Turpentine, Tincture Cantharides, 
Corrosive Sublimate, Oil of Cedar, Croton Oil, Gum Euphor- 
bium, of each one ounce. Mix with ten ounces of fresh lard. 
Cut oif the hair the size of the lump. Use the ointment lightly, 
once a day for three days, then omit three days, and grease with 
Castor Oil, to preserve the roots of the hair. Then wash clean 
with soap and water. Now use as before, for twenty-four days, 
and the horse will be relieved if not cured of his lameness, and 
the lumps will be removed, if not previously united to the bone. 

No. 20. 
Caution. Never use Butter of Antimony, or Spirits of 
Salts for wounds of nails, corns, or bruised heels, as is frequently 
done by many shoers, as these acids are very injurious to the 
feet. I have specimens showing their destructive effects upon 
the wings of the coffin-bone, which were diseased and wasted 
away from their use. 

No. 21. 
To Remove Warts on Horses. — Muriate of Ammonia, 
two drachms ; powdered Savin, one ounce ; fresh Lard, twelve 
ounces. Mix all together, and it will be ready for use. Apply 
daily, and they will soon disappear. 

No. 22. 
For Lampers. — All young horses are more or less liable 
to this trouble ; it is nothing but inflammation of the gums. 
Bleed or scarify the gums ; never burn, for it may add to the 
disease of the teeth. After bleeding or scarifying, rub the gums 
well with salt, and feed bran mash so as to keep the bowels re- 
laxed for a few days. 



264 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

No. 23. 

Unexcelled Cough Powders. — Angelica Eoot, 4 oz.; Ze- 
doary, 4 oz.; Galangal, 4 oz. Grind coarse, put into evapora- 
ting dish, moisten with alcohol, then pack tight, cover it over 
and let it stand until next day ; then pack in a percolator and 
pour on alcohol slowly until one pint is filtered through, then 
evaporate to a dry powder and add 2 oz. of Red Sulphuret of 
Antimony burnt black in a crucible ; Sulphur, | lb.; Fenugreek, 
1 lb. Mix into a powder ; give one tablespoonful twice a day 
in feed. Better to feed mash or chop feed. This recipe is in- 
valuable to horse owners, and the powder should be kept con- 
stantly on hand. 

No. 24. 

Celebrated Cough Syrup. — One of the finest preventives 
for lung fever, which the horse is subjected to in certain climates 
and seasons of the year. 

Oil of Tar, 2 oz.; Balsam of Fir, 2 oz.; Alcohol, 8 oz. Mix. 
Shake well before using. In case you find your horse has taken 
cold and commences to cough, give one ounce of the liquid at a 
dose three times a day, one hour before or after eating. The 
best and easiest way to give the medicine is to get a long necked 
syringe, open the horse's mouth, pull his tougue partly out, then 
put the syringe well into his mouth and throat, and inject the 
medicine. Always have two persons at hand to assist in this 
operation. 

No. 25. 

To Kill Worms in the Horse. — Give one handful of pul- 
verized sage in mash feed at night for fourteen days. 

No. 26. 
To Kill Lice on the Horse. — Equal parts of Acetic Acid 
and watsr. Mix. Sprinkle with the liquid over the body lightly 
once a day for three days, A good receipt for the above purpose. 



RECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS. 265 

No. 27. 

For the Prick or Wound of a Nail in the Foot. — Equal 
parts of Carbolic Acid and Morphine, a. a. 

First, open the wound to the bottom with a farrier's knife ; 

then drop the wash into the wound, saturate white cotton with 

the wash, lay the cotton into the wound, let it remain there for 

fifteen or twenty minutes, then get pickled bacon from the brine, 

cut into slices, cover the bottom of the foot well with it, and 

tack on the shoe lightly with a piece of sole leather, so as to 

retain the poultice in its place ; have it dressed occasionally until 

the soreness is removed. This treatment is also good for thrush 

in feet. 

No. 28. 

To Stop the Flow of Blood. — Horses are often liable to 
calk themselves in icy weather, after having been sharp shod. 
The wound in many cases is deep and hard to cure. To stop 
the flow of blood, saturate a sufficient quantity of white cotton 
to cover the wound, with Muriate of Iron, and bind over the 
wound with a cloth bandage. 



horseshoer's tools. 267 



TOOLS FOR HORSESHOBRS. 



HELLER & BROS., NEWARK, N. J. 



This enterprising firm are manufacturers of high-class farriers' tools, 
thoroughly well made in every particular, which have long enjoyed an 
international reputation for excellence of materials and superiority of 
workmanship, and which the manufacturers do not hesitate to recommend 
and guarantee. They even go so far as to manufacture their own steel 
— the best grade of clay crucible cast steel — in order to insure for their 
products that unvarying uniformity of quality which has gained for them 
an exceptional degree of public favor. 

The business of this firm has been established for over half a century, 
and at the very beginning a high standard of excellence was determined 
upon and adopted, as they knew that their success would be ultimately 
measured by their ability to turn out a grade of goods acceptable to the 
trade, and which would safely stand the test of comparison with the 
productions of their competitors. Without entering into any extended 
comparison here, it can be safely asserted that the unexcelled quality of 
the Heller Bros.' tools has been steadily and consistently maintained ever 
since ; until now they have fairly distanced even their most eager rivals 
in the business. 

The works of this company are located at Newark, N. J., and are 
among the most complete and extensive plants in the country. The trade 
of the firm has grown to large proportions, and the goods are now sold by 
all the principal tool and hardware dealers throughout the United States 
and Canada. This aflTords the most conclusive evidence of the sterling 
merits of the goods in question as it is impossible at this day to create 
such an exteusive demand for inferior articles. The trade, great as it is, 
is constantly increasing and covers the largest and most complete line of 
tools for farriers' uses, to be found in the market. 

It is impossible to mention in detail the variety of articles made by 
this firm. They publish a very neat little catalogued list illustrating and 
describing all their different tools, and will send a copy of it to any in- 
quirer who desires further information with regard to quality, prices, etc. 



268 



HELLER & BROS., NEWARK, N. J. 




Impeoved Pean Sharpening 

Hammer. 

2 to 3 lbs. 

With handle. 



Rounding Hammer. 

2 to 3 lbs. 

With handle. 



HORSESHOERS TOOLS. 



269 





Cat's Head, or Turning 

Hammer. 

2 to 3 lbs. 

With handle. 



Hand Hammer. 

2 to 3 lbs. 

With handle. 



270 



HELLER & BROS., NEWARK, N. J. 





Faeriers' Driving Hammer. 

11 to 20 oz. 

With handle. 



Heller's Pattern Farriers' 

Driving Hammer. 

13 to 20 oz. 

With handle. 



HORSESHOERS TOOLS. 



271 




Turning Sledge Hammer. 

5 to 10 lbs. 

Without handle. 




Exact width, thickness and appearance 

CENTER SECTION OF 16-INCH HORSE RASP. 



272 



HELLER & BKOS., NEWARK, X. J. 



Horse Rasp. 









TAN(iED 

Horse Rasp. 



Half Round ok 
Hot Rasp. 



Flat Bastard 
File. 



HORSESHOERS TOOLS. 



273 




Ckeasee. 



Fore Punch. 





Half Round Hardy. 
For clipping heels of shoes. 

18 



Square Hardy. 
For general use. 



274 



HELLER & BROS., NEWARK, N. J. 





BlFFEK. 



SoLK Knife. 



HORSESHOERS TOOLS. 



275 




Farriers' Pincers. 
14 and 16 inch. 



Farriers' Pincers. 
12 and 13 inch. 



276 



HELLER & BROS., NEWARK, N. J. 



Cutting Nipper. 
14 inch. 



Cutting- Nipper. 
8 and 10 inch. 



HORSESHOEES TOOLS. 



277 




Foot Testers. 
Length 15 inches from 
point of jaws to end of 
handle. 



Hoof Parer. 

14 inch, also furnished in 12 

inch lengths. 



278 



HELLER & BKOS., ^'EWARK, N. J. 



Farriers' Solid 
Steel Forging 
Tongs. 
V2 to 17 inches. 



Clinch Tongs. 
14 inch. 



Pritchel 



HORSESHOER S TOOLS. 



279 




Jointed Horse 

Shoe Rasp. 

(Made plain or 

jointed.) 



n ^''] 









Adjustable 

Jointed Hokse 

Tooth File. 



Adjustable 

Horse Tooth 

File. 



Adj U.ST able 

Horse Tooth 

File. 




'>K 










k ■ 


MM 


'ff^ 


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im 



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